Gary Lineker delivers news verdict on race for promotion as Leeds and Leicester both lose

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The race for automatic promotion in the Championship took another shock twist on the weekend as all three clubs failed to win – and Gary Lineker gave his verdict, after Leicester City and Leeds United lost.

The weekend began with Leicester’s trip down south, taking on Plymouth. A game the Foxes were likely to win, but ended up losing 1-0. It gave Leeds and Ipswich a real chance to capitalise on Saturday afternoon.

Leeds hosted Blackburn, having remained unbeaten in the Championship at Elland Road all season. But they lost to John Eustace’s side, suffering a 1-0 loss. Top scorer Sammie Szmodics scoring in the last ten.

Ipswich then, left with a chance to take a real stronghold on the race for the title and the top two. But, Luke Ayling laid on his fifth assist since joining Middlesbrough – as Boro and Ipswich played out a draw.

Leeds, Leicester and Ipswich fail to win in race for promotion

So, a small gain for Ipswich but a missed opportunity for all three, really. Ipswich sit top of the table on 89 points, playing 43. Leicester are 2nd on 88, but with a game in hand. Leeds are in third place, 87 points.

Leeds have three tough games left, in the run-in. Middlesbrough and QPR away, then Southampton at home. Leicester have West Brom, Southampton, Preston and Blackburn left – four very difficult games.

Ipswich arguably have the easiest run-in. Hull will be tough, but then an out-of-form Coventry and then a struggling Huddersfield. Gary Lineker discussed the race to go up on The Rest Is Football on Monday.

What Gary Lineker has now said about the race for promotion

“Nobody wants to go up. Nobody wants to win a game, nobody wants to score a goal! How Leicester are getting away with it – lose on Friday night. Leeds lose at home, Ipswich didn’t manage to win at home.

“There are grumbles but the results are favourable even after we lose. It’s still in Leicester’s hands. Come on lads, get a grip, make it happen, score some goals. Win the title and get back in the Premier League.”

Ultimately, if Leeds are to gain promotion automatically this season, we need to win the remaining three games to give ourselves the best chance. Middlesbrough away next up, though, will be a really tough test.