Leeds United are on the cusp of securing automatic promotion as the Championship enters the decisive Easter period, with all 24 teams playing twice in the space of four days.
Daniel Farke’s men sit five points clear of third-placed Sheffield United with four games to go. Chris Wilder’s side have lost three in a row, with Wilder admitting teams cannot lose three at this stage.
Ally McCoist thinks Sheffield United still have a chance if they beat Burnley, but if Leeds obtain seven points from their remaining four matches – it’s done. Leeds could even secure promotion by Monday.
But what happens if Leeds do get promoted? This season’s Premier League campaign will be a source of concern for The 49ers, with Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton all splashing the cash but miles off it.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  LeedsLeeds | 42 | 25 | 13 | 4 | 82 | 29 | 53 | 88 |
| 2 |  BurnleyBurnley | 42 | 24 | 16 | 2 | 57 | 13 | 44 | 88 |
| 3 |  Sheff UtdSheffield Utd | 42 | 26 | 7 | 9 | 57 | 33 | 24 | 83 |
| 4 |  SunderlandSunderland | 42 | 21 | 13 | 8 | 57 | 38 | 19 | 76 |
Ian Wright shares concern for promoted teams like Leeds
Indeed, Southampton and Ipswich both spent over £100m. Leicester were slightly less given their issues with Financial Fairplay, but all three have failed to put up any kind of decent fight to secure survival.
Gabby Agbonlahor believes Southampton spent poorly, while Leicester lost both Enzo Maresca and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall the moment they went up. Ipswich have put up the best fight, but will still fail.
On Stick To Football, Ian Wright explained his concern for teams coming up from the Championship and name-dropped Leeds. The disparity between Premier League and promoted sides will only keep growing.
“But the 17 teams that’s in that will be continually getting money, because these three teams are coming in, whether it’s Leeds, Sheffield (United), Burnley, the other 17 teams are just continually getting stronger.
“Like, the middle teams, look where (Aston) Villa are now, look at where Brighton are, Fulham having a go. Brentford, Bournemouth – all of these teams are getting much better than the teams that are coming up.”
Why Phil Hay believes Leeds United have a real chance of survival
Speaking recently on The Athletic’s podcast, Phil Hay said Leeds have a better chance of survival now than they did under Andrea Radrizzani. Hay says it is because of the presence of both The 49ers and RedBull.
Adam Pope thinks Leeds six major signings and will need to spend over £100m, after West Brom manager Tony Mowbray said Leeds may need to splash double that. The 49ers stance has been reported this week.
Indeed, The 49ers want to strengthen Farke’s side in six positions – goalkeeper, centre-back, left-back, in midfield, out wide and up front. But focus right now will remain on getting the job done, starting Friday.
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