Crunch time: where Premier League relegation battle will be decided

Why are they in this predicament? The injuries which, for much of the season, deprived Leeds of last season’s leading scorer, Patrick Bamford, their England defensive midfielder Kalvin Phillips and their captain and key centre-half, Liam Cooper, fractured the team’s spine, impacting results adversely. Marcelo Bielsa performed wonders at Elland Road but things had started to unravel under the Argentinian this season and his replacement with the impressive Jesse Marsch on 1 March arguably came slightly too late. Although Marsch has praised Bielsa he has suggested that the intensity of his predecessor’s training regime prompted a “myriad of injuries” allied to physical and mental burnout. Moreover Bielsa’s often gung-ho, high-risk, gameplans led to to the concession of an awful lot of goals.

How likely do they look to stay up? Leeds nurse a significantly worse goal difference than Burnley and Everton and face the most formidable-looking final fixtures. Conversely they do have the most points in the bag and appear revitalised under Marsch’s tactically and emotionally intelligent leadership. They also possess Raphinha’s right-wing brilliance, have Phillips and Cooper fit again and remain optimistic that Bamford, by far their most incisive striker, will return for at least the two final games.

Which players are key to their chances? Bamford: it is no exaggeration to say his reintroduction to attack could be the difference between survival and relegation. Mentions also for Illan Meslier, outstanding in goal this season, Phillips, who offers much-needed midfield control, and Raphinha, on his day an unplayable winger and the creator of so many chances. Louise Taylor

Writer’s prediction 20th Norwich, 19th Watford, 18th Everton

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