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Danny Mills comments on Leeds and Marcelo Bielsa, pinpoints where they will finish

Will Butcher

Mon 28 December 2020 7:45, UK

Danny Mills has given a very honest verdict on Leeds United and Marcelo Bielsa on (Monday, 7.15am) following the club’s 1-0 win over Burnley on Sunday at Elland Road – climbing into 12th place in the Premier League table.

Leeds gained a sixth Premier League win of the season in their 15th match with a narrow victory over Burnley – as Patrick Bamford’s early penalty and 10th goal of the season proved enough to see off Sean Dyche’s side, though controversially.

Illan Meslier was adjudged to have been fouled by Ben Mee before Ashley Barnes swivelled and found the back of the net – though replays have shown that it was Meslier who jumped into Mee. Leeds certainly rode their luck, but were solid.

Former Leeds defender Mills has given a very honest opinion of his old club following their win over Dyche’s men. He explains that the Whites were lucky on Sunday, and has predicted that Bielsa’s men will finish in 14th or 15th this season.

“The first year [2018-19] it went wrong, in the playoffs against Derby. This year, he only plays one way,” . “It will be touch and go until the end of the season – I think it will be 14th, 15th.

“Fans want effort, they want 100% – attacking or defending. Leeds are high energy. It is nail-biting, they were very lucky yesterday. I’m delighted they got three points, but it should have been 1-1.”

TBR’s view – Where will Leeds finish this season?

The Whites have 20 points from their opening 15 games and no Premier League club has suffered relegation following a start that good. The difference between Leeds and a defensive side is that there is scope to progress.

Yes, Mills is probably right, Leeds will avoid a relegation scrap but finish at the high end of the bottom half. But whereas the likes of Burnley, Palace and other teams of that ilk cotninue to finish in that region, season on season, Leeds can progress.

Bielsa’s style means that better players and more investment can see them improve and build on what will inevitably be a safe, bottom-half finish. So a 14th this season, might be 10th the season after.