Relegation thriller in the Premier League!
In the fast-paced soccer business, the term ‘relegation thriller’ is used quite often inflationary. On Tuesday evening, however, it applies without reservation to the direct duel in the bottom of the table between Leeds United and Leicester City. The two teams are currently neighbors in the standings. The Whites are 16th, with the Foxes one point and one position behind them in 17th, level on points with Everton FC in the first relegation spot.
Thus, it’s about real big points as well as a liberating blow six matchdays before the end of this season. Just in time for the decisive final spurt, however, the home side seems to have gone completely off the rails. Three defeats in a row with a total of 13 conceded goals impressively underline this thesis. Nevertheless, in the context of the 33rd matchday in the Premier League between Leeds and Leicester, lower odds are offered for the bet on the host.
Thus, it’s about real big points as well as a liberation blow six matchdays before the end of this season. Just in time for the decisive final spurt, however, the home side seems to have gone completely off the rails. Three defeats in a row with a total of 13 conceded goals impressively underline this thesis. Nevertheless, in the context of the 33rd matchday in the Premier League between Leeds and Leicester, lower odds are offered for the bet on the host.
Leeds – statistics & current form
After Matchday 28, Leeds United were still in a relatively carefree twelfth place in the table, still had a cushion of five points on the first relegation place and also had just defeated Wolverhampton 4-2 away from home. The mood was not euphoric, but certainly confident.
In the meantime, however, the tide has turned in West Yorkshire. Four of the last five Premier League matches have been lost by the team of Spanish coach Javi Gracia. Only at home, against Nottingham, did the Whites manage to secure a competitive three-goal win. In the other four matches, however, they conceded a record-breaking 17 (!) goals, an average of more than four per match.
Leeds are struggling with a disastrous defense
The former Champions League contender lost their last two home games 5-1 to Crystal Palace and 6-1 to Liverpool. Finally, at the weekend, the Gracia team lost 2-1 at Fulham. The self-confidence has been lost, the uncertainty has increased exponentially and also the pressure is increasing from week to week, respectively from game to game.
Under the aforementioned coach, who has now been in charge for eight league games, Leeds United have conceded an average of 2.6 goals. Logically, this is the highest figure in the English top flight! With this in mind, and the fact that home games have not necessarily been an advantage for the Peacocks in the recent past, we believe that between Leeds and Leicester, the odds on the home win have been set too low and therefore do not contain any value.
Last games played by Leeds:
Premier League
- 22/04/2023 – Fulham 2 – 1 Leeds
- 18/04/2023 – Leeds 1 – 6 Liverpool FC
- 09/04/2023 – Leeds 1 – 5 Crystal Palace
- 05/04/2023 – Leeds 2 – 1 Nottingham Forest
- 01/04/2023 – Arsenal FC 4 – 1 Leeds
Leicester – Statistics & current form
Since April 11, Dean Smith has been wielding the scepter at Leicester City. Together with his assistant John Terry, he is to save the surprise title winner from 2016 from relegation to the Championship. The 52-year-old’s tenure got off to a respectable start. The team lost 3-1 at Manchester City, but at least they didn’t let themselves get knocked off the field and showed some decent approaches.
These were confirmed at the weekend against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Despite trailing 1-0, the Foxes showed morale, worked their way back into the match, and ultimately kept all three points in their own stadium thanks to a 2-1 win. After nine previous winless league games, this could have been the much-needed chest burster.
Defense remains No. 1 construction site for the Foxes
Even more interesting is the fact that this means that the Foxes’ most recent three league victories have all come after falling behind. Who wants to take this curiosity as an opportunity and place a bet on another comeback victory, can do this, among others, at Betano sports betting. There are very high odds of 8.25 between Leeds and Leicester.
At least as important as the three points from last weekend was the obvious increase at the defensive level. Especially in the second half, Leicester acted very consistently and concentrated in defense. Nevertheless, the Blues still hold a sad negative record, as Leicester are the only team from Europe’s top five leagues to actually not have a single clean sheet after the World Cup break. The relegation contenders have conceded at least one goal in 17 consecutive Premier League games.
The fact that we have nevertheless listed the odds for the X2 & Under 3.5 in our top betting table between Leeds and Leicester is primarily due to the importance of this direct duel, so that we – despite defensive weaknesses on both sides – do not assume a goal festival.
Last games of Leicester:
Premier League
- 22/04/2023 – Leicester 2 – 1 Wolverhampton
- 15/04/2023 – Manchester City 3 – 1 Leicester
- 08/04/2023 – Leicester 0 – 1 Bournemouth
- 05/04/2023 – Leicester 1 – 2 Aston Villa
- 01/04/2023 – Crystal Palace 2 – 1 Leicester
Leeds – Leicester Direct comparison / H2H balance
This is the 74th time in total that the two clubs have faced each other in England’s top division. With 29 wins compared to 20 draws and 24 defeats, Leeds United still leads the direct comparison. In the recent past, however, the Whites have generally found it very difficult against the Foxes.
This is reflected, among other things, in just one win from the past eight league games. It’s also worth noting that Leeds have only kept their clean sheet in one of their last ten home games against their upcoming opponents. As should the Foxes’ chance to fix their season double against the Peacocks for the first time since 1997/98 after winning the first leg 2-0.
Leeds – Leicester Tip
There is a lot at stake for Leeds United and Leicester City in their head-to-head clash on Tuesday night. The loser could find themselves in a relegation spot after matchday 33, while the winner can not only distance/overtake an immediate rival but also land an important mental reprieve in the relegation battle.
Although both teams have recently struggled with defensive problems and know “to-nil games” virtually only from hearsay, our first tendency in view of the importance of this match goes in the direction of under bet. We expect a maximum of three goals on Tuesday night. The implied favorite role of the hosts between Leeds and Leicester according to the betting odds, however, we also consider questionable.
The Whites have lost four of their last five PL matches, conceded 17 (!) goals in the aforementioned defeats alone, and also disgraced themselves to the bone in the most recent two home matches. Exactly why we try it between Leeds and Leicester with the tip on the DNB 2nd
