Leeds United boss Javi Gracia says he is expecting a difficult game against Crystal Palace this weekend. Palace won their first game of 2023 last weekend, the 2-1 win over Leicester City coming in Roy Hodgson’s first game in charge since replacing Patrick Vieira in the international break.
Only one point and position separate the two sides, with Palace in 12th place on 30 points and Leeds in 13th on 29. Bournemouth currently reside in 18th on 27, meaning victory on Saturday could open a two-game lead for the victors – four points gap if Leeds win and the Cherries lose or five points if the Eagles get the win and Bournemouth taste defeat.
And Gracia knows his side are in for a tough 90 minutes,
Javi Garcia said: “I expect a very difficult game for sure, like all of the games in this competition. I had the opportunity to play against him [Hodgson] when I was at Watford. I know him very well, very nice person, always had a very good behaviour. It will be a pleasure to see him again.”
Gracia was also asked about relegation six-pointers, after playing and beating Nottingham Forest who are also facing the drop to the Championship ahead of the match against Palace at Elland Road on Sunday.
Javi Garcia said: “Now we can speak about how important it is to get six points in these two games but I’m not watching our last game to give more or less importance to the next. Now it’s a new game where we know it’s our objective in play and we need the points. Now it’s trying to be focused on that game. It’s like if it were a final for us, we have to play with that mentality.”
