Lee Hendrie predicts another twist in the Championship promotion race with Leeds United

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Saturday saw Leeds United re-assert the five-point lead they had over Sheffield United after the 3-1 win at Bramall Lane. A 2-1 win over Preston came at the same time as Plymouth shocked The Blades.

Five points separated Leeds and Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United after the win at Bramall Lane, only for that lead to dissipate as the typical Leeds slump occurred, winning one of the next six Championship games.

However, things have quickly turned on its head. Two successive wins over Middlesbrough and Preston has coincided with three Sheffield United losses against Oxford United, Millwall and then at Plymouth.

Leeds sit top of the Championship table, Burnley second level on points but behind on goal difference and then Sheffield United in third, five points behind. So, are Leeds home and dry with four games left?

• READ MORE: Daniel Farke’s updates on Joe Rothwell and Dan James injuries ahead of Oxford

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

Lee Hendrie thinks Sheffield United can still catch the top two

The Easter period is upon us. Leeds go to Oxford United for an 8pm kick-off, not long after their win over Sheffield United on Good Friday after Burnley face Watford (3pm) and Sheffield United take on Cardiff.

The Blades are in action at 5.30pm, which they will be expected to win. David Prutton thinks all three sides will win, as does Sam Parkin ahead of Good Friday. But can Sheffield United still finish in the top two?

Lee Hendrie thinks it is still a possibility, telling FLW: “They’ve got a massive game against Burnley. I do feel that this isn’t quite over yet. Burnley have been relentless defensively and not conceded many goals.

“Sheffield United will certainly have to go and attack them [when the two sides meet on April 21]. Chris, I think he just has to overcome that little bit of pressure he’s under. He’s done remarkable this season.”

The earliest opportunity Leeds have to confirm promotion

Leeds take on Oxford United at 8pm on Friday after Burnley face Watford (3pm) and Sheffield United host Cardiff (5.30pm) on Good Friday. Then, a 3pm clash against Stoke City on Easter Monday, three days later.

On Easter Monday, Sheffield United then go to Burnley in an enormous match. But if Sheffield United are beaten by struggling Cardiff on Friday and Leeds beat Oxford and then Stoke, promotion will be secured.

Leeds then, could be confirmed as a Premier League club for 2025-26 by the time Sheffield United and Burnley play at the beginning of next week. Sheffield United though, should cruise past Cardiff City.