Now past the half way mark in the season it seems the Whites are defying all the odds. It was just a few weeks ago that the team was in the relegation zone. But they have turned things around and are in a very impressive run of form.

Since December, they have beaten Chelsea and Crystal Palace and have gone unbeaten in two games against Liverpool, including a 0-0 draw at Anfield. Much of this is down to Farke, who has found a new system that is getting the best out of the players. Brenden Aaronson and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have been unplayable in this season.

West Ham star set to leave club this month

Leeds’ relegation rivals West Ham are having a terrible period. They are still without a win in multiple games and there are multiple reports that Nuno Espirito Santo will be sacked. Now, there is even more bad news for the Hammers; Alex Crook has revealed on Talksport that Lucas Paqueta wants to force a move away this month:

“It’s not for the first time Lucas Paqueta seems unsettled at the London Stadium. Flamengo in Brazil showing interest in Paqueta, from what I’m told, he would be open to that move, maybe more so than even joining the likes of Tottenham and Aston Villa, who’ve shown interest in the past, but I’m also told that Nuno Espirito Santo wants to keep Paqueta until the end of the season.”

Leeds United still favourites to beat the drop

Despite all the noise, Leeds are doing well. Their defeat to Newcastle has not changed much in terms of their chances of staying up. The defeat should be a learning curve for Daniel Farke, who admitted his side were to naive and open towards the end of the game and that is why they conceded two late goals.

All the club has to do now is continue their good run of form; Farke got it right against Derby this past weekend. Some players got their rest while others got a chance to shine. If the team stays fit, then survival is a realistic target; the 49er also need to help with reinforcements later this month.