EFL expert ‘astounded’ as Leeds United have done something not even Marco Silva’s Fulham managed

Add as preferred source on Google

Leeds United have been one of the outstanding sides in the Championship this season, but Daniel Farke’s side will be desperate to underline that by beating Plymouth Argyle on final day.

That would ensure that they win the title, which David Prutton is backing them to do at lunchtime tomorrow. With Burnley still matching Leeds every step of the way, they are both eyeing the prize and both can reach 100 points.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	LeedsLeeds	45	28	13	4	93	29	64	97
2	BurnleyBurnley	45	27	16	2	66	15	51	97
3	Sheff UtdSheffield Utd	45	28	7	10	62	35	27	89
4	SunderlandSunderland	45	21	13	11	58	43	15	76

It’s been an incredible week already for Leeds after thumping Bristol City 4-0 in their final home game on Monday. That came amidst plans to extend the capacity of Elland Road and a reveal of an upcoming open-top bus parade.

However, there is one game left to navigate for Daniel Farke’s team. The Whites have set a record points total already but could also break further records with victory. That includes the most goals in a season, should they get to 98, and their most wins ever in a season as well.

• READ MORE: The two players Leeds United could sell this summer for ‘sizeable PSR boost’

EFL expert Ali Maxwell’s bold Leeds United claim

It’s already a memorable campaign but could be even more so if Leeds secure the title at Home Park. However, Plymouth’s form at home against the top 10 perhaps is cause for some concern.

EFL experts Ali Maxwell and George Elek of the Not The Top 20 podcast have had their say ahead of the game, with Elek outlining how there is the potential for a shock win for Plymouth above, but Maxwell doubling down on the strength of this Leeds side.

Maxwell said: “I see this a bit differently to you. I think I certainly take all your points around Argyle’s home nuttiness, but I think I’m a bit blinded by the fact I watched Leeds on Monday against Bristol City.

“Even though I’ve seen 30 Leeds games live this season, I was astounded at their level of performance. I think it’s being taken for granted how good Leeds are. Obviously, you could argue that they’re on the same level of points as Burnley and therefore they’re exactly as good as Burnley. 

“There’s different ways of looking at football; that’s not necessarily how I see it. Every time I watch them, I think they look like the best Championship team I can remember.

“Probably the next best I can remember are Marco Silvia’s Fulham. They were unbelievable against Bristol City. If they’re anything like that at Home Park, I think they will comfortably win.

“They have motivation to do so because, if they win, they secure the title — and I believe they are motivated to do that. On FBref, you can sort the table out by xGD per game and theirs is +1.27xGD per game. So, a superiority over their opponents of one-and-a-quarter goals in their expected goals.

“That is the highest in the Championship since Marco Silva’s Fulham and actually higher than them — so, the highest on FBref, which I think goes back seven seasons.”

Leeds are also coming up against a side with terrible underlying data, Maxwell added: “Argyle are at the bottom with -0.91xG per game.

“Now, that has improved under Muslic to a certain degree. But only Rotherham last season and Ipswich in 18/19 have a worse expected goal difference per game than Argyle’s this season in seven seasons.

“So, the difference between the sides is ginormous. And with Argyle perhaps a little less inclined to sit back and soak up pressure and defend for their lives — which is kind of what you’re meant to do against Leeds — I think that just opens the game up.

“Players like [Manor] Solomon are just looking absolutely absurd at the moment. And with Leeds wanting to show off on their way to the title, I’m going for an over 4.5 goals pick.

“Partly because Argyle could have a bit of fun themselves. If Leeds get loose, I’m thinking a 4-1 — but I think Leeds score four/five/six here.”

• READ MORE: ‘It may fall foul’… Simon Jordan concerned after hearing big news out of Leeds United

The data supports Leeds United being one of the best Championship sides ever

The game will be broadcasted live on Sky Sports, and Opta’s supercomputer believes they will get over the line and secure the title over their rivals from across the Pennines.

They will be desperate to prove that they are the definitive best side in the division by doing so, but the data supports the idea that Leeds are far better than Burnley and one of the best Championship teams of all-time.

A win over Plymouth does not change the act that Leeds have been incredibly dominant between both boxes, and that they would have perhaps have broken Reading’s points record if Illan Meslier had been dropped sooner.