Don Goodman picks the one team that will definitely be promoted out of Leeds, Sheffield United and Burnley

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The race for automatic promotion is set to reach full intensity after the March international break after Sheffield United and Burnley closed the gap on Leeds United.

It was only a few games ago that Leeds were five clear of Sheffield United and eight in front of Burnley. But after just one win in four and seven points dropped, Leeds and Sheffield United are level on points.

Leeds are only top going into the March break due to the club’s superior goal difference, with 24 points still to play for and the possibility of 104 points. Daniel Farke says he would be happy with 96 points.

Chris Wilder anticipates a “titanic” battle to finish in the top three, with an improving Burnley only two behind in third place. So, with an exciting race to the finish line incoming, Don Goodman has had his say.

• READ MORE: How Leeds compare now to Marcelo Bielsa’s promotion-winning side in 2019-20

Don Goodman predicts whether Leeds United will be promoted

For Leeds fans, the nerves are aplenty. Leeds were in a similar situation last season, falling away after a poor result at QPR and failing in the play-offs. The Whites know failure to go up will be catastrophic.

Leeds had to sell three of their best players last summer after failing to go up after a 10% reduction in parachute payments. Failure to go up this season will see those payments go from 45% to just 20%.

Farke is also likely to be sacked by The 49ers. Speaking to FLW though, Goodman is confident that Leeds will still get the job done due to the lesser quality of their opponents in the final eight matches.

“I don’t see Leeds United slipping up. I think if you had asked me this question a little bit earlier in the season, it could possibly have been their away form, but I look at the games they have got left,” he said.

“Six of their eight games are against sides 14th and below. They will take all the stopping, I give credit to Burnley and Sheffield United for making Leeds sweat, but I still believe they will go and win the league.”

Leeds’ remaining opponents compared to promotion rivals

Following the break, Leeds host a struggling Swansea side before going to relegation-threatened Luton. Two sides Leeds will be expected to beat, before arguably the hardest of the eight – Middlesbrough away.

But there is another factor that works in Leeds’ favour. Sheffield United and Burnley will have to do battle in the third-last round of fixtures, meaning one of the two teams if not both will end up dropping points.

Focus will currently be on having a breather for those not on National Team duty, and switching off for a few days before re-focusing on the last six weeks. Then, concentration on a home win against Swansea.