Leeds United’s push for automatic promotion suffered a big dent on the weekend and Gary Lineker has delivered a verdict that will leave the Elland Road fanbase feeling even more concerned.
Mike Grella described Leeds as their own worst enemy ahead of Saturday’s draw with Swansea and that turned out to be the case. Leeds could have easily beaten Swansea 2-0, scoring two perfectly good goals.
But Illan Meslier dropped a corner at the feet of Harry Darling and then allowed Zan Vipotnik to score from a tight angle in the 96th minute. A dismal result against a side that sit in the league’s bottom third.
Leeds are now two points behind Sheffield United and level with third-placed Burnley on 81 points, with seven games left to play and both Sheffield United and Burnley in excellent form at this moment in time.
Gary Lineker in worrying play-off claim when discussing Leeds
On Monday, Jeff Stelling reminded Leeds fans of their woeful record in the play-offs. Leeds have entered the end-of-season mini-tournament on six occasions, reaching the final twice and failing to be promoted.
Last season saw Leeds reach the final after finishing in third, only to lose to Southampton. Gary Lineker discussed what is an exciting title race on The Rest Is Football, at least for neutral fans looking from afar.
Lineker said earlier this week: “You know what generally happens. “Whoever misses out on the top two might not make it, given the nature of the play-offs. It’s tough when you get back to the Premier League.”
What happened at this stage last season as Leeds tailed off…
After 39 games last season, Leeds had a total of 83 points and were sitting in second place. Much like this season, but accrued a woeful record of seven points from their final seven games – losing four matches.
Understandably, Leeds fans are worried it is going to happen again this time around. Certainly, six points from the last five games is similar form. But Daniel Farke is 100% confident that Leeds will be promoted.
His job depends on it. Leeds have got to do a whole lot better than seven points from seven games if they are to go up, perhaps needing double that to stand any chance of finishing in the top two positions.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
