Bournemouth caretaker boss Gary O'Neil has claimed that Leeds United deserve to be sitting far higher in the Premier League standings.
After a fast start to the campaign, Leeds recently went eight matches without success, with six defeats resulting in speculation regarding the future of Jesse Marsch.
However, despite suffering four losses in succession, Leeds went to Anfield last weekend and prevailed by a 2-1 scoreline against Liverpool.
As a result, the Yorkshire giants now sit in 15th position in the table and with the opportunity to move ahead of the visitors to Elland Road on Saturday afternoon.
Nevertheless, O'Neil revealed that he does not regard Leeds as a team who are struggling, feeling that their upcoming hosts have been "very unlucky".
Speaking to BBC Radio Solent, the Englishman said: "They're very unlucky to be where they are. Look at a lot of numbers for chances created and they press aggressively, highest in league. They have big energy and pace.
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"Having watched all of their performances, they're unlucky to be where they are. A real test for us, and we need a big atmosphere. Another huge test but one we're looking forward to."
O'Neil was also quizzed on the manner of last weekend's defeat to Tottenham Hotspur having initially held a two-goal lead against the top-four side.
Bournemouth have now suffered three defeats in a row, but O'Neil insisted that he took positives from the 3-2 setback at the Vitality Stadium.
Talking to the same outlet, O'Neil said: "Losing without putting up a fight would have been far worse. They obviously all were disappointed initially, not what they deserved but to take some huge positives again. Thought we were really close to beating Spurs.
"What I enjoyed was lads being really disciplined and carrying out game plan perfectly. Off ball we were further back than we are in some games because of Tottenham's quality."
Despite going four matches without a win, Bournemouth make the trip to Elland Road sit sitting three points clear of the relegation zone.
Darren Plant
