Phillips: These three brilliant players can catapult Leeds into Europe
Kevin Phillips insists Leeds United can secure European place – if Patrick Bamford, Jack Harrison and Raphinha stay fit.
The former Sunderland striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claims that if the Whites can put a run of wins together then a European finish could be on the cards.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side entered the top half of the Premier League with their Monday night win over Crystal Palace.
Jack Harrison and Patrick Bamford got the goals in Monday’s game and Phillips believes this pair, along with Raphinha, hold the key to a strong end to the season.
Though the former striker did acknowledge that Bielsa will not be thinking about a push for Europe until Leeds are mathematically safe from the drop.
“There’s every chance [of Europe]. They’re not far behind Villa and they’ve been tipped for Europe,” Phillips told Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs.
“First and foremost, get to that 40 point mark. They’ve got it within them, as long as everyone stays fit, especially the likes of Raphinha, Harrison, Bamford.
“Every game they go into you feel that Leeds have got an opportunity of getting something out of the game.
“It’s very rare that they don’t turn up and if they get a little run together there’s a possibility of Europe.
“I’m sure Bielsa’s mentality at the minute is not even thinking about that, let’s get safe and then take each game as it comes. But they’ve got an opportunity definitely, 100%.”
A European finish from Leeds would be a remarkable achievement in their first season back in the English top flight.
The Whites travel to Arsenal on Sunday afternoon as they look to claim back to back Premier League wins.
In other Leeds United news, Whelan: Arsenal hit by ‘Massive’ blow far worse than losing Tierney for Leeds clash.