Premier League relegation: Leeds' key fixtures in the race against the drop

Following the failure of the Jesse Marsch experiment, the burden has fallen on Javi Gracia to help Leeds escape the drop.

Guided to the top flight by Marcelo Bielsa in 2020, it's been a difficult 18 months for Leeds after taking the league by storm in their first Premier League campaign since 2003/04. Bielsa's magic faded in year four, and while Marsch showed promise during his year at the helm, Leeds were quickly heading towards the drop under his tutelage.

They were forced into action, and Gracia has enjoyed a promising enough start at the helm. However, the Spaniard's got plenty of work to do if he's to steer the Yorkshire outfit to safety.

Here's how Leeds' schedule closes out the season, including their most important upcoming fixtures that could decide their fate.

• How many points are needed to avoid relegation from the Premier League

Key Leeds fixtures in 2022/23 relegation run-in

Wolves vs Leeds

After winning a huge relegation six-pointer against Southampton a couple of weeks ago, the crunch contests continue to roll for Gracia's Leeds.

They take on Wolves at Molineux this weekend knowing victory will close the gap between themselves and Saturday's opponents to just a point. Julen Lopetegui's functional outfit, one that's improved under his leadership, have also played a game more than Leeds.

• 18/03/23 - Wolves vs Leeds (15:00)

Leeds vs Nottingham Forest

Forest scored just their fourth Premier League goal on the road last weekend as they were beaten 3-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. While Steve Cooper's side have improved massively since the start of the season, their away record remains dire.

They've accumulated just six away points all season, while 17 of Leeds' 23 points have come at Elland Road. Talk about a must-win for Gracia's side.

• 04/04/23 - Leeds vs Nottingham Forest (19:45)

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Leeds vs Crystal Palace

Palace's lack of a reliable goalscorer has seen them emerge as the Premier League's poorest outfit in 2023. After a promising first half of the season, the Eagles are now well amongst it in the bottom half of the table.

Patrick Vieira has got to start winning games soon because he could quickly find himself out of the job despite all the good work he's done in south London.

• 08/04/23 - Leeds vs Crystal Palace (17:30

Leeds vs Leicester

Leeds' home schedule to close out the season will give many fans hope that survival is within their grasp. They have another winnable fixture at Elland Road in April with a slumping Leicester coming to town.

The place will be rocking under the lights.

• 25/04/23 - Leeds vs Leicester (20:00)

Bournemouth vs Leeds

Gracia's side are back on the road to close out April as they visit Gary O'Neil's Bournemouth. The Cherries have surprised many with their competence this season and proven themselves against the Premier League leaders and a Liverpool side fresh off their 7-0 thumping of Man Utd.

Bournemouth simply aren't going away in the fight to stay in the top flight.

• 29/04/23 - Bournemouth vs Leeds (15:00)

West Ham vs Leeds

The Hammers seemingly fit into the "they're too good to go down, surely?" category, but the more you watch them the more you realise just how erroneous that statement is.

West Ham are in trouble, and their European excursions will not help their domestic cause down the stretch. Should they advance deep into the Europa Conference League, they'll take on Leeds just days after the second leg of a potential semi-final.

• 20/05/23 - West Ham vs Leeds (15:00)

Remaining Leeds fixtures in 2022/23 season

• 18/03/23 - Wolves vs Leeds (15:00)
• 01/04/23 - Arsenal vs Leeds (15:00)
• 04/04/23 - Leeds vs Nottingham Forest (19:45)
• 08/04/23 - Leeds vs Crystal Palace (17:30)
• 17/04/23 - Leeds vs Liverpool (20:00)
• 22/04/23 - Fulham vs Leeds (12:30)
• 25/04/23 - Leeds vs Leicester (20:00)
• 29/04/23 - Bournemouth vs Leeds (15:00)
• 06/05/23 - Man City vs Leeds (15:00)
• 13/05/23 - Leeds vs Newcastle (15:00)
• 20/05/23 - West Ham vs Leeds (15:00)
• 28/05/23 - Leeds vs Tottenham (16:30)

Where are Leeds in the Premier League table?

Leeds' current position may not be pleasant reading for supporters as they sit 19th in the table, but the points differential paints a completely different picture. The Yorkshire outfit have accumulated 23 points so far this season and are just a point adrift from safety.

Their goal difference, which is pretty respectable at -11 given their position, could aid their bid for survival when it's all said and done given how tight it is at the bottom.