The American says that a Wednesday win over their old rivals, in the last of three consecutive games against top four sides, would give the club a huge boost as they attempt to claw their way out of a relegation predicament.
Marsch has guided the Whites to three wins in his nine games but they haven’t won in three, albeit having taken on the might of Manchester City and Arsenal in their last two.
Level on 34 points with Burnley but with a vastly inferior goal difference, Leeds must conjure up a better record than the Clarets over the final three outings, starting with Chelsea at home on Wednesday night.
Victory would give a more satisfactory feel to this series of three difficult games, for Marsch, who insists he can see a way out of trouble.
“I do believe [we can stay up],” he said.
“And I knew going into these three matches against City, against Arsenal, against Chelsea, that picking up points was going to be incredibly difficult. I knew that we still could manage to find some points. Right now if we beat Chelsea, I would walk away from the three matches and if you asked me before – three points from the three matches – I would say that’s okay, that’ll help us.
“We failed the first two tests and we have another massive test Wednesday night against a team that has a little bit more rest than us. And we’ve just got to turn around, find a way to stay strong, put a group on the pitch that’s going to do whatever it takes like they did in the second half [at Arsenal] and find a way to get our points – that’s the only focus right now.”
He added: “It’s just trying to focus on our performances. We knew that coming with these three opponents City, Arsenal and Chelsea that things were going to be difficult. But if we can get one win out of the three, that will feel good and then we’ll move forward and their last two games and do whatever it takes. So that’s exactly where we are.”
Check out the latest Premier League transfer speculation below...
1. Spurs monitoring O’Neill
Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham are reportedly on alert as teenage midfielder Ollie O’Neill faces an uncertain future at Fulham. (The Athletic)
2. Villa in Coutinho talks
Aston Villa are confident of agreeing a cut-price deal for attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho after opening talks with Barcelona. (Daily Mail)
3. Toon ready to pounce for Coutinho
Newcastle United are ready to pounce and will look to bring Philippe Coutinho to Tyneside if Aston Villa decide against completing his permanent switch from Barcelona. (Dean Jones)
4. BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - MAY 07: Graham Potter, Manager of Brighton & Hove Albion applauds the fans after their sides victory during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United at American Express Community Stadium on May 07, 2022 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Brighton boss Graham Potter has insisted he is happy staying at the Amex despite suggestions he could take over at Spurs if Tottenham boss Antonio Conte moves on this summer. (Various)
5. SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - JANUARY 11: Dan Neil of Sunderland reacts during the Sky Bet League One match between Sunderland and Lincoln City at Stadium of Light on January 11, 2022 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Burnley have continued to persist with an approach for Sunderland’s 20-year-old midfielder Dan Neil. (The Sun)
6. Leeds in strong position for Johnson swoop
Leeds United will be in a ‘great position’ to sign Nottingham Forest talent Brennan Johnson if they can avoid relegation this season. (Dean Jones)