Saturday’s draw between Leeds United and Swansea is the latest derailment in Daniel Farke’s pursuit of a third Championship title and now, Gary Lineker has had his say on the race for promotion.
Leeds now sit in second place in the Championship table after losing more points to both Burnley and Sheffield United over the weekend. Illan Meslier’s two disastrous errors prevented Leeds from victory.
If the race was not already hotting up, it certainly is now. Chris Wilder predicted a “titanic” battle and Connor Roberts told fans to “buckle up” as his Burnley side look to catch Leeds or Sheffield United.
But with one win in five, one thing is for certain for Leeds and it is that they have to get some wins on the board quickly. Especially, given Sheffield United and Burnley’s form who are unbeaten since November 3.
Gary Lineker underlines one advantage Leeds United still have
It is fair to say that Burnley have the toughest of the next three games, facing Coventry away, a Derby side improving under John Eustace and then Norwich. Leeds face Luton, Middlesbrough and Preston.
Speaking to The Rest Is Football, legendary presenter and England icon Lineker said he thought Leeds would run away with the Championship title – but still thinks Leeds hold one “huge” advantage.
“I thought Leeds were going to cruise through. One thing in Leeds’ favour is that Burnley play Sheffield United in about three or four weeks on 21st April. That will be a huge game,” Lineker said on Monday.
Where Leeds would finish if reverse fixtures stood…
If Leeds were able to mirror the results accrued against the same opposition earlier in the season, then they would obtain a very healthy 17 points from the next seven games – taking them to a huge 98 total.
Realistically, that is not going to happen as Leeds try to keep the pressure at bay and given they have only once in the last five. But, this Leeds side go into every game as favourites despite their form.
Sheffield United would go up as top if reverse fixtures were repeated, clocking up 18 points from the next 21. That would see them exceed the 100 mark despite starting on -2. Burnley would only win 14 points.
That is testament to Burnley’s slightly more-difficult run-in than both Leeds and Sheffield United. But anything can happen in the heat of a promotion battle and right now, Leeds are the team out of form.
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