Once again the tide has shifted in the race for Championship promotion, and it’s no longer Leeds United who sit top of the pile.
After their win over Coventry City on Friday night it’s Sheffield United who sit in 1st, boasting a two point lead over Leeds United in 2nd who drew 2-2 at home to Swansea City on Saturday afternoon, whilst Burley are level on points in 3rd after they beat Bristol City.
Illan Meslier’s blunders against Swansea City have cost the Whites two more points, and it’s not the first time this season that the Frenchman has cost his side some crucial points in the race for Championship promotion.
But Daniel Farke needs to take some responsibility too. Just a few weeks ago his side were five points clear at the top of the Championship table and looking unstoppable, no less after their 3-1 comeback win over Sheffield United earlier in the year.
But the Blades have remained consistent and so too have Burnley, which can’t be said for Leeds United.
- READ MORE: Leeds United fans all notice the same thing about Manor Solomon after draw vs Swansea City
Burnley manager Scott Parker reacts after Leeds United 2-2 Swansea City
Burnley were also in action in the 3pm kick offs on Saturday. Scott Parker watched on as his side overcame top six hopefuls Bristol City 1-0 at Turf Moor with the Clarets now on a simply unbelievable 26 game unbeaten run, also boasting five wins in their last six games in the Championship.
On Saturday, it was Zian Flemming who scored in the 16th minute to secure a win that now takes Burnley onto 81 points for the season so far; tied with Leeds United with seven games left of the season. But Parker isn’t looking into anything other than his own team right now.
Speaking to BBC Sport Lancashire after full-time, the former England midfielder said: “I think I always say it, no real focus on what others are doing. We just need to keep performing and keep grinding out results. There’ll be many more twists and turns.”
How Leeds United’s final fixtures compare to Sheffield United and Burnley
Leeds have a somewhat favourable run in, though fans won’t count on that after seeing their team struggle against a Swansea City side who’ve toyed with relegation all season.
Next up is a trip to 23rd place Luton Town which will prove a slog for Farke’s side, whilst Burnley head to Coventry City and Sheffield United head to Oxford United.
Here’s how the top three’s final run in compares…
| Game week | Leeds remaining games | Sheff Utd remaining games | Burnley remaining games |
| 40 | Luton Town (A) | Oxford (A) | Coventry (A) |
| 41 | Boro (H) | Millwall (H) | Derby (A) |
| 42 | Preston (H) | Plymouth (A) | Norwich (H) |
| 43 | Oxford (A) | Cardiff (H) | Watford (A) |
| 44 | Stoke (H) | Burnley (A) | Sheff Utd (H) |
| 45 | Bristol City (H) | Stoke (A) | QPR (A) |
| 46 | Plymouth (A) | Blackburn (H) | Millwall (H) |
For Leeds, every game now is about taking maximum points, and cutting out those individual errors that are costing the team points, which could mean Farke dropping Meslier for Karl Darlow once and for all.
Leeds’ game at Kenilworth Road kicks off at 12:30pm on Saturday.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
