Sam Allardyce set for stunning Premier League return to help this club fighting relegation battle
'Big Sam' is set to return to the Premier League after two years.
Follow Us
Sam Allardyce is said to have signed a short-term contract to lead Leeds United until the end of the Premier League season. He is expected to replace Javi Gracia at Elland Road on Wednesday. The former England manager has an excellent track record of guiding teams to stay in the country’s highest division.
Leeds appointed Gracia to succeed Jesse Marsch in February, but his situation became tricky following Sunday’s thumping at the hands of Bournemouth. The result moved the Whites closer to a return to the Championship at the end of the season. Sources say the Spaniard said his final goodbyes to his players and staff on Tuesday morning. Meanwhile, Leeds sports director Victor Orta will likely quit the club as part of a more significant reshuffle in the coming days.
Allardyce was swiftly seen as the preferred contender to replace Gracia temporarily. According to rumours, he has already agreed to lead Leeds for the final four games of the Premier League season. The British manager will be responsible for the Yorkshire team taking on Manchester City this weekend.
Over the years, the 68-year-old has earned a reputation as a survival expert. Leeds’ management will be keen for him to perform his magic to help them retain their Premier League status ahead of next season. He beat the odds by keeping Sunderland and Crystal Palace in the Premier League in 2016 and 2017, respectively. However, his last season in the Premier League ended in failure when he was unable to keep West Bromwich Albion from relegation in 2021.
In case you missed it: Vinicius Junior praises Karim Benzema saying it is ‘easy’ to play with him
Sam Allardyce’s appointment may prove to be pivotal in the title race
At the moment, Arsenal and Manchester City are separated by only one point in the Premier League title race. Despite City having a game in hand, the Gunners will be hoping to capitalize on any slip-up. However, Allardyce’s arrival at Leeds United will not fill them with too much optimism.
The former England manager has faced Manchester City 34 times in his career, beginning with Notts County in 1998, but Arsenal fans will not be pleased with his record against them. With the different clubs he’s managed throughout the years, he’s won just six games, drawn five, and lost the other 23.
His latest result versus them was a 5-0 defeat with now-Championship side West Brom. Meanwhile, his last victory over Manchester City came in 2014, when West Ham defeated them 2-1 at Upton Park. Thus, Arsenal fans counting on him to keep Manchester City at bay won’t be filled with too much confidence.
Despite a tough run of fixtures, Leeds fans will be hopeful that Allardyce’s visit has the intended effect on their team’s survival chance. The Yorkshire club’s remaining fixtures include matches against Manchester City, Newcastle, West Ham and Tottenham.
Related News:
Stay Updated!
Anany Kapoor
(105 Articles Published)