Greaves: Best For Leeds To Lose

Last updated : 03 January 2004 By Kevin Markey

'I have to be honest and say I can’t see Leeds winning this one. Arsenal have too much ability and too much firepower, even if Arsene Wenger gives one or two stars the day off.

'But on their day Arsenal are the best team in the country. And Thierry Henry is probably the best player in the world.

'Arsenal and Man United are the teams you can never, ever bet against in any domestic competition.

'And the fact no club from outside the top six has a cat in hell’s chance of winning the FA Cup this season is further proof that it is not yet the Mickey Mouse competition that the Carling Cup has become.

'In many ways the best thing that could happen to Leeds is for them to lose tomorrow and put all their focus on staying in the Premiership.

'I appreciate that in their parlous position they need every game they can get in terms of gate revenue.

'But a decent cup run will be no consolation to Leeds if they are in the Nationwide League next season.

'And it is not too late for them to get out of trouble in the Premiership.

'In fact, I wouldn’t put a penny on any of the current bottom three going down, not even Wolves.

'Under normal circumstances at this stage of the season it’s a case of any three from five for relegation. But this year there are at least 10 equally poor teams in the equation.

'And if Leeds could string together five wins, which is not beyond them, they could even find themselves in Europe next season.'