Paul Merson assesses Leeds’ promotion hopes after another defeat

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Leeds United remain at the top of the Championship, but Marcelo Bielsa’s side are looking to bounce back from two defeats in a row.

Paul Merson told Soccer Special on Sky Sports (broadcast on 01/01 from 14:55) that he would be more than happy with the current Leeds squad if he was a fan of the Whites despite New Year’s Day bringing another defeat for Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

Leeds were beaten 4-2 by Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. In a remarkable game, the visitors recovered from a goal and man down to lead 2-1 shortly after the hour-mark.

However, Forest took advantage of the gaps in the defence to go back in front and hand Leeds back-to-back losses for the first time under Bielsa.

But with Norwich failing to beat Brentford and West Brom losing against Blackburn, Merson insisted that Leeds should not disheartened, and suggested that he has seen plenty to suggest that the Whites could secure promotion this season.

“They won’t be a million miles off,” he told Sky Sports. “They’ve just lost two games on the trot and they’re probably still as many points clear as what they were. When you have a dip in form, luck doesn’t go your way, you’ve got to make sure that others around you don’t win, and they’re not winning, so advantage Leeds. If I was a Leeds fan, I’d be more than happy with this team that they could go up.”

It will be fascinating to see how Leeds respond when they face Derby County at Elland Road in just over a week. The Rams are certainly promotion contenders, and beating them for a second time this term would definitely see Leeds get back on track.

And with Leeds boasting a four point advantage over the third place team in the division in Sheffield United, Bielsa can point out that they do not need to feel the pressure yet if he senses that they may hamper their chances of playing their best football once again.