David Prutton predicts outcome of Leeds United clash against Bristol City with title on the line

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Daniel Farke might not have made a great deal about winning the Championship title in Friday’s press conference but Leeds United fans will be desperate to take a step closer to the trophy on Monday.

In the final clash of gameweek 45, Leeds are just two wins away from securing the Championship title. A win over Bristol City on Monday night will see Leeds tasked with going to Plymouth for the league trophy.

It could have been wrapped up on Monday night, pretty much, had Burnley suffered defeat at QPR on Saturday. But Scott Parker’s men have not detoured after winning promotion, smashing QPR to win 5-0.

It means that Leeds will have to win just to go back to the top of the table and keep Parker’s men at bay ahead of the final round of games. But Leeds come up against one of the division’s best sides tomorrow.

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David Prutton predicts Leeds United clash against Bristol City

Alongside the likes of Parker and Farke, Bristol City manager Liam Manning is up there among contenders to win Championship Manager of the Season. Manning has taken Bristol City into the league’s play-offs.

That is despite having a smaller budget and a weaker squad than Sheffield United and Sunderland as well as those behind them – the likes of Middlesbrough, Coventry and West Brom. A superb job by the gaffer.

Especially, in the midst of such difficult personal tragedy. On Monday night, Manning takes his side to Elland Road knowing a win secures a play-off place – but David Prutton has backed Leeds to be victorious.

Prutton told the Sky Sports Essential EFL podcast: “No [Bristol City are not going to win]. I’ve seen enough of Leeds at home, Stoke are a world away from Bristol City, Leeds at home are an absolute ocean liner.

“They will smash through you. I’m sorry Bristol City fans, I love Liam and he’s done a wonderful job and he’s had a cracking season. Even if Leeds have done other things all week, Leeds win at home,” he said.

Leeds have failed to score on seven occasions this season

Despite their incredible goal tally of 89 goals from 44 games, Leeds have been unable to find the back of the net in seven Championship games. Twice to Burnley, losses to Portsmouth, Millwall and Blackburn.

West Brom held Leeds in the second game of the season to a 0-0 draw, as did Manning’s Bristol City. It was probably the toughest game in terms of creating chances Leeds have had throughout the season.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	BurnleyBurnley	45	27	16	2	66	15	51	97
2	LeedsLeeds	44	27	13	4	89	29	60	94
3	Sheff UtdSheffield Utd	45	28	7	10	62	35	27	89
4	SunderlandSunderland	45	21	13	11	58	43	15	76
5	Bristol CityBristol City	44	17	16	11	57	49	8	67
6	CoventryCoventry	45	19	9	17	62	58	4	66

Manning has his Bristol City side well-oiled, well-drilled and difficult to beat. They’ve only had to score 57 goals from 44 games to sit in fifth place, testament to the way Manning has got his side playing football.

Given the shackles are off, it is difficult to predict what kind of Leeds will be seen on Monday. A Leeds without any pressure? Or a Leeds side on the beach. With the title on the line, surely it will be the former.