Brian Deane predicts who will secure automatic promotion out of Leeds United, Sheffield United and Burnley
The Championship table is pretty reading for Leeds United fans at the moment after comeback wins against Sunderland and Sheffield United, with Daniel Farke’s side five points clear.
The 3-1 win over Sheffield United on Monday has seen Leeds go five points clear of Sheffield United in second place, and seven ahead of Burnley in third. The Whites’ goal difference of 50 acts as a point.
With 12 games to go and 36 points to play for, Sheffield United would have to win two more games than Leeds and Burnley, three. But Leeds have only lost three Championship games all season, in 34 matches.
Ally McCoist believes Leeds are promoted, while Darren Bent thinks it would take a “fall off a cliff” to see Leeds fail in their bid for promotion. Leeds icon Brian Deane has now had his say on the promotion race.
Brian Deane picks who will finish in Championship’s top two
If Leeds are not already home and dry, the position of their 12 remaining opponents should give them even more confidence. Nine of the 12 teams are in the bottom half, with West Brom the highest they face.
Indeed, Leeds host West Brom on Saturday and while Alex Mowatt has delivered a warning to Leeds, it is a given that The Whites will be promoted according to Deane. He told FLW his prediction for the top two.
“I think Leeds is probably a given now. What they’ve done in the games beating Sheffield United and Sunderland last week has broken the back. They just have to match other teams now,” Deane told FLW.
“Sheffield United aren’t a shoo-in but they’ve got enough to win enough games to go up now. Their form has been patchy. It will be close between Burnley and Sheffield United, but I just fancy United to nick it.”
Predicting Leeds’ next four games before international break
So it’s West Brom up next for Leeds, a clash that sees first place take on fifth. Tony Mowbray has been boss for seven games with The Baggies, winning three but losing three and drawing the other outing.
Then, it is a trip to Portsmouth, Millwall at Elland Road and QPR in London. Below, LeedsUnited.News predicts the next four Championship games before the March international break in the next few weeks.
