‘Very difficult’ – Leeds boss delivers Crystal Palace verdict ahead of Elland Road clash

Leeds United manager Javi Gracia is expecting a very difficult test against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

The Whites won 2-1 against relegation rivals Nottingham Forest on Tuesday evening, moving up to 13th in the Premier League table.

Palace are 12th and three points clear of the bottom three after their 2-1 win against Leicester City last weekend.

In Hodgson’s first game in charge since replacing Patrick Vieira, who was sacked after one win in 16 in all competitions, the Eagles picked up their first win of 2023.

The 75-year-old will be without Wilfried Zaha, who suffered a groin injury in the first half against the Foxes.

“I’m expecting a very difficult game, for sure,” former Watford boss Gracia said.

“I know him [Roy Hodgson] very well. He’s a very good manager. All the staff are very nice people. 

“It will be a pleasure to see him again and to say hello.

“When we look at the competition [around us in the table], the differences are minimal.

“We have to be ready to try to get points in every single game. We know that everything can change very quickly. The next game is the game we have to win.

“The next three points are the points we need.”