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George Bennett

Relegation battle form, fixtures, narratives after Leeds United climb out of drop zone

This time last week, Leeds had dropped into the relegation zone following a 1-0 defeat at Everton, and were still yet to appoint a replacement for Jesse Marsch. Fast forward to now, and Javi Gracia has registered his first win as Whites' boss and has guided Leeds out of the relegation zone as a result.

Junior Firpo scored the game's only goal as Leeds condemned Southampton to a 1-0 defeat at Elland Road on Saturday.

Although Leeds have moved out of the bottom three, the relegation battle remains as tight as ever. LeedsLive have taken a closer look at the challenges facing every side involved...

READ ALSO: Javi Gracia coy on Leeds United injuries ahead of FA Cup clash with Fulham

13th - Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest's contrasting home and away form has ensured that they remain firmly embroiled in the battle for Premier League survival.

The Tricky Trees are unbeaten in the league at the City Ground since September - a run which stretches eight games (D4, L4).

However, Steve Cooper's charges have collected just one win on the road in the Premier League all season, and have scored just three times on their travels.

Points: 25

Games played: 24

Goal difference: -24

Form: LDLWD

Next five fixtures: Everton (H); Tottenham (A); Newcastle (H); Wolves (H); Leeds (A).

14th - Leicester City

Leicester City remain in the relegation dogfight after suffering back-to-back defeats against Manchester United and Premier League leaders Arsenal respectively.

The Foxes recorded a pair of victories over Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur respectively prior to their two recent defeats.

Their recent run of results underline their level of inconsistency, although Brendan Rodgers' men will have a prime opportunity to pick up three points against bottom-place Southampton in their next league outing.

Points: 24

Games played: 24

Goal difference: -6

Form: LLWWD

Next five fixtures: Southampton (A); Chelsea (H); Brentford (A); Crystal Palace (A); Aston Villa (H).

15th - Wolves

Wolves responded to their 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Bournemouth by registering an impressive 1-1 draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Julen Lopetegui's side led through Pablo Sarabia's 23rd-minute finish, before Manor Solomon bent a delicious effort beyond Jose Sa just past the hour-mark.

Lopetegui has made Wolves harder to beat since taking over after the World Cup break - losing just three of his nine league games at the helm so far.

Points: 24

Games played: 24

Goal difference: -15

Form: DLWWL

Next five fixtures: Liverpool (A); Tottenham (H); Newcastle (A); Leeds (H); Nottingham Forest (A).

16th - West Ham

West Ham clicked into gear against Nottingham Forest to condemn them to a 4-0 defeat at the London Stadium. Danny Ings could very well prove to be a shrewd buy, after the England forward scored the first two goals of the Hammers' goal-laden performance.

David Moyes' side have improved significantly since beating Everton 2-0 in January. They've tasted defeat just once in their last five games and also earned creditable draws against Newcastle United and Chelsea in the process.

Points: 23

Games played: 24

Goal difference: -6

Form: WLDDW

Next five fixtures: Brighton (A); Aston Villa (H); Man City (A); Southampton (H); Newcastle (H).

17th - Leeds United

Javi Gracia made the ideal start to life at Leeds. Three points and a clean sheet against Southampton helped the Whites climb out of the relegation zone on Saturday.

The Spaniard ended Leeds' concerning run of 10 league games without a win, and will be looking to do the double over Chelsea when the two sides meet at Stamford Bridge next weekend.

Points: 22

Games played: 24

Goal difference: -10

Form: WLLDL

Next five fixtures: Chelsea (A); Brighton (H); Wolves (A); Arsenal (A); Nottingham Forest (H).

18th - Everton

Everton have picked up two wins and two defeats during the embryonic stages of Sean Dyche's spell at Goodison Park.

The former Burnley boss picked up a stunning 1-0 defeat over Arsenal, before losing 2-0 against local rivals Liverpool in the Merseyside Derby.

And Everton were once again unable to build on their win over Leeds after losing 2-0 at the hands of Aston Villa last weekend.

Scoring goals has been the biggest issue for the Toffees, with no side scoring fewer than their dismal total of 17 goals.

Points: 21

Games played: 24

Goal difference: -15

Form: LWLWL

Next five fixtures: Arsenal (A); Nottingham Forest (A); Brentford (H); Chelsea (A); Tottenham (H).

19th - Bournemouth

Gary O'Neil went six league matches unbeaten when he took over as caretaker boss from Scott Parker in August. However, the Cherries have lost 10 of their 14 games in the Premier League since, and look in serious danger of making an immediate return to the Championship.

No side has conceded more goals than Bournemouth (48) this term, and they face league leaders Arsenal, and then Liverpool, who beat them 9-0 at Anfield earlier in the season, in their next two fixtures.

Points: 21

Games played: 24

Goal difference: -26

Form: LWDLD

Next five fixtures: Arsenal (A); Liverpool (H); Aston Villa (A); Fulham (H); Brighton (H).

20th - Southampton

Southampton failed to build on their victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, and lost 1-0 against Leeds to stay rooted to the foot of the table.

Consistency has been one of the major issues, with Southampton yet to register back-to-back league wins during the current campaign.

They've also scored just 19 goals in 24 games and have suffered more defeats than any other side in the Premier League (16).

Points: 18

Games played: 24

Goal difference: -22

Form: LWLLL

Next five fixtures: Leicester (H); Man United (A); Brentford (H); Tottenham (H); West Ham (A).

READ NEXT:

Leeds United's Ben White loan credited as 'perfect' example of utilising system

Leeds United pair Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie slammed for recent conduct

Max Wober's arrival has brought out the best in Junior Firpo at Leeds United

Javi Gracia seal of approval as supercomputer boosts survival forecast after Southampton win

Leeds United's next five fixtures compared to relegation rivals as Whites climb out of bottom three

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