Andy Couzens is backing Leeds United to overcome the challenge of Bristol City this weekend, stating that it is about time Marcelo Bielsa’s side made their dominance of games count.
Leeds find themselves on a tough run of form in the Championship, having won just twice in 11 fixtures, which has led to an 11-point lead over third slip to just goal difference.
However, the Whites’ dominance of games hasn’t lessened, with Bielsa watching his side create plenty of chances and enjoy the majority share of possession.
That was the case on Tuesday night as Leeds drew 1-1 at promotion-chasing Brentford, with the performance at Griffin Park something like their best.
Next up for Leeds is a meeting with Bristol City at Elland Road, with the Whites knowing victory is vital, with the Robins having the chance to pull level with Bielsa’s side on 56 points if they get the win.
However, for Couzens, he’s expecting Leeds to win comfortably, despite it being a tricky fixture.
“It’s always going to be tough because everyone comes to Leeds and shuts up shop,” the ex-Leeds man stated to Football League World’s Chief Editor Sam Rourke this week. “You’ve got to break them down and it is a hard team to break down - Bristol City are on a good run of form.”
“You’ve got to fancy Leeds, though, the way they are playing (dominating the ball), they are going to beat a side quite convincingly. All the chances created are going to go in the back of the net.”
Despite that confident view, Couzens conceded that Leeds need to start well and set the tempo of the game, which is something they’ve struggled with in recent weeks, not least when Kiko Casilla’s cheap error gifted Brentford the lead on Tuesday.
He continued: “The biggest thing is that start, the first 10 minutes is huge, if Leeds can get off to that good start and get the tempo in the team then I think they will go on and win this, not easily, but 3-1 or something like that.”
Given his wavering support of the side he played for, the recent run of games is clearly taking its toll on Couzens, who admitted he’d take narrow victories between now and the end of the season, as long as it ended with Leeds in the Premier League.
He signed off: “Saying that, I’d take a 1-0 in every game from now until the end of the season. I wouldn’t have a problem with it.”