With Leeds United out of The FA Cup at the fourth round stage after Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Millwall, all focus now switches to the remaining 15 Championship games and the race for promotion.
Defeat to Millwall has left a bitter taste in the mouth but most Leeds fans will have woken up on Sunday knowing that it was probably for the best. There will be no needless FA Cup matches down the line.
Daniel Farke won’t admit it, but he will agree. Everything is aimed at securing promotion this season at Elland Road after coming so close last season and right now, Leeds sit top and ahead of Sheffield United.
Two points separate Leeds and Chris Wilder’s side, with the Blades beating Portsmouth on Saturday. They started the season on -2, while Burnley sit in third on 61 points – five behind Leeds after 31 matches.
Joel Piroe picks the best – Leeds, Burnley or Sheffield United
Leeds have surrendered four points to Burnley, but have beaten Sheffield United while Scott Parker’s men beat Sheffield United away from home on Boxing Day. But the Clarets have lost points in other games.
It is evenly poised as we head into the final third of the campaign, and Piroe has told AD that he believes his side are the best of the three. Piroe says Sheffield United and Burnley are more defensive than Leeds.
“Burnley and Sheffield United play more from the defence. That way they do get results, you know. But we force the victories more, I think. For me, the attack is also more fun. It’s a fight every week,” Piroe said.
How many points do Leeds need to secure promotion, now?
In the majority of Championship seasons, the special 90-point mark normally guarantees a place in the top two. Leeds managed it last term but could only finish in third place and eventually lose at Wembley.
Currently on 66 points, another 24 points should get the job done. Eight wins from the next 15 matches might be enough, but Carlton Palmer wanted 10 wins before Leeds took apart Coventry on Wednesday.
Ultimately, Leeds need to just keep winning matches. Keep ticking them off and if they continue to put wins together, the pressure will ramp up on Sheffield United and Burnley going into April and then May.
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