Gary Lineker delivers stark reminder to Leeds United that Daniel Farke’s side simply cannot finish third

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The memory of last season’s run-in could not be more fresh than it currently is in the minds of Leeds United fans. Sunday’s defeat to Portsmouth has Leeds fans concerned.

This time last season, Leeds had the same amount of points and could only manage a measly 14 from the next 10 matches. This time around, Leeds are top but need to do a lot better to secure a top-two finish.

That looked likely going into the game against West Brom. But one point from the next possible six has left Leeds vulnerable, and could even go into Wednesday night’s game in third place if results go against.

Sheffield United and Burnley play on Tuesday night, against Bristol City and West Brom. If they both win those matches, then Leeds will be out of the top two. Joey Barton thinks the title race is now wide open.

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Gary Lineker reminds Leeds United why they cannot finish in third

Last season saw Leeds finished in what is often the poisoned chalice of third position. A team that has been fighting to finish in the top two, devastated that they have only been won a play-off position.

It often leaves that side unable to get promoted and so it turned out last term, as Leeds were beaten at Wembley by Southampton. Lineker gave his promotion verdict on Monday’s The Rest Is Football podcast.

“One of them [Leeds, Sheffield United or Burnley] has to go in the play-offs; two from three. It’s so tight, and you know what happens in the play-offs, it’s so often third that misses out. We’ll see what happens.”

How many points do Leeds United need to secure promotion?

The magical 90-point mark is often discussed as the benchmark to get teams promoted. Indeed, Leeds were the first Championship team to not be promoted with 90 or more points this century, last season.

But with Sheffield United only 14 points away and Burnley only 16, it is likely that Leeds will have to amass more than 90 to go up. A tally of perhaps, 94 or 95 will get the job done and that means, six more wins.

Leeds have averaged 2.1 points a game this season and if they can do that over the next 10 games and secure at least 20 points, then they will surely win promoted. Leeds’ superior goal difference will help.