If any club could do with a circuit break to this season, it is Leeds. With 10 players out injured or ill, three defeats in a week and 14 goals conceded, it really has been the nightmare before Christmas for Marcelo Bielsa and his side.
Too good to go down? Not this bunch. That they remain as high as 16th is largely thanks to third-bottom Burnley having played three games fewer.
Make no mistake, unless Leeds strengthen in next month's transfer window they are in grave danger of their long-awaited return to the top flight lasting just two seasons.