The Championship title race has quickly heated up, with a handful of teams looking like the real candidates after 20 games. And Leeds United are one of them.
As things stand, Leeds United sit in 2nd place of the Championship table and Sheffield United in 1st place, after the Blades’ won away at Millwall in midweek.
Earlier in the season, though, Leeds United beat Sheffield United 2-0 at Elland Road, so there’s hope that over the course of the campaign, Leeds can just about edge past United.
Daniel Farke’s side are in fine form at the moment, too. In midweek, Dan James inspired Leeds United to a win over Middlesbrough to give his side five wins from their last six in the Championship.
This weekend, Leeds go up against a familiar face in Paul Heckingbottom, with the former Leeds boss now in charge of Preston North End.
Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United meanwhile host strugglers Plymouth Argyle on Saturday afternoon.
Neil Harris verdict on Championship title race, gives ‘slight edge’ to Sheffield United
Speaking after his side’s defeat against Sheffield United in midweek, departing Millwall boss Neil Harris gave his verdict on the Blades, explaining why they have a ‘slight edge on everybody else in the division’, including Leeds.
He told The Star: “All the top sides have top players. The difference is that Sheffield United have real experience in a leader and top, top bloke in Chris Wilder. And a successful manager, which is a big help.
“They can do both ends of the pitch. At the top end of the pitch, they’re free-flowing and quality. Back end, they’re really aggressive and defend their box. That’s what gives them I think the slight edge on everybody else in the division. And, they’re bloody good on set plays.”
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Chris Wilder playing mind games with Leeds United amid title race
Wilder’s Sheffield United drew away at West Brom last weekend. Leeds beat Derby County that weekend and managed to close the gap to the Blades in 1st to just one point.
Speaking after his side’s draw at West Brom, Wilder said Leeds United are ‘miles ahead’ of Sheffield United with a rather interesting claim.
He said: “I’ve just been asked a question about being in contention with Leeds United – Leeds are miles ahead of us.
“We’ve got our own fight, to improve individually and as a team. I’m just focusing on us.”
Both Sheffield United and Leeds United have a lot of similar qualities this season. Like Harris says, both are proving clinical in the final third and resolute at the back, for the most part.
It’ll no doubt come down to who can avoid going on a poor run of form, and likely who can enjoy a strong January transfer window with Sheffield United now in the final stages of a takeover and hoping for some winter business.
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