Darren Bent has a ‘funny feeling’ on who will finish in third place, Leeds United, Burnley or Sheffield United

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It feels like the race for automatic promotion between Leeds United, Sheffield United and Burnley has been ongoing for months – and now it comes down to the final six matches.

Last-gasp wins over Sunderland and Sheffield United had pushed Leeds five points clear of the pack, as Daniel Farke’s side looked up. Troy Deeney predicted Leeds would have confirmed promotion by now.

But one in win six and three consecutive draws have followed, with Leeds succumbing to the pressure that saw them tail off last season. Tonight, they go to an in-form Middlesbrough who sit in fifth place.

The table sees Leeds go into tonight’s matches in third, a point behind Sheffield United who host Alex Neil’s Millwall while leaders Burnley go to John Eustace’s Derby – in the sixth-last round of matches.

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Darren Bent predicts which team will miss out on the top two

It is certainly close. Daniel Farke says he remains “100% convinced” Leeds will be playing in the Premier League next season, though it is hard to believe for Leeds fans who are desperate to avoid the play-offs.

Speaking on TalkSPORT on Monday (April 7, 6.40PM), former England striker Darren Bent discussed the race for automatic promotion and says he has a “funny feeling” over who will miss out in third place.

“Sheffield United are in a good position. A sprint finish now, Leeds drew with Luton but it feels massive. Burnley aren’t going to slow down. I’ve got a funny feeling Leeds aren’t going to go up, automatically.”

The one advantage Leeds United have which is yet to play out

Gary Lineker identified the one thing in Leeds’ favour and that is Sheffield United going to Turf Moor on April 21. The two rivals will have to play against each other, and it could see both teams drop points.

That, or one team will lose. It is impossible for both Burnley and Sheffield United to obtain 18 points from the next six games and Leeds have got to take advantage with more twists and turns likely before May.

All Leeds can do is concentrate on themselves. A win at Middlesbrough would be the perfect tonic to a difficult few weeks, and hopefully either Millwall or Derby can help before hosting Preston on Saturday.