Leeds United are risking ‘devastating’ fate that Micah Richards warned them about a year ago

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Leeds United are running the risk of suffering a horrible outcome that they were warned about a year ago.

It’s been a strong season for Leeds United and they look odds on to finally return to the Premier League.

However, despite leading the title charge for most of the campaign, Daniel Farke’s side have allowed their grip on top spot in the Championship table to loosen.

Leeds still sit at the summit but Sheffield United are only a whisker below them. Both Yorkshire clubs have the same number of points but the Whites’ superior goal difference means they are still holding on.

If Joel Piroe didn’t squander two golden chances then Leeds might have a three-point lead, but instead they suffered their first defeat since November against Portsmouth on Sunday following a draw with West Brom.

The dropped points – so soon after galvanising wins over Sunderland and the Blades – has split the title race wide open with 10 fixtures remaining.

Burnley are still well within a shout of claiming an automatic spot, too, and sit just two points behind the leaders.

With pressure mounting as points are dropped, there is a terrifying risk that Leeds could once again drop out of the top two and enter the chaotic lottery of the Play-offs.

It was a fate Micah Richards warned them about last season and they are playing with fire once again.

Micah Richards warned Leeds about dropping into the Play-offs

Though Leicester City were runaway league leaders, Leeds were still favourites to claim 2nd place and return to the top flight at the first time of asking.

With just three games remaining, the Whites claimed a dramatic 4-3 win over Middlesbrough to keep them ahead of the chasing Ipswich Town.

However, four days afterwards they suffered a remarkable 4-0 defeat at lowly QPR which handed the advantage to the Tractor Boys.

The result left Leeds shell-shocked, so much so that Gary Lineker felt sorry for the club. He said on The Rest is Football at the time: “I feel a bit for Leeds fans because I know what it’s been like for Leicester.

“You have to get back in the Premier League and Ipswich are now favourites to do that.

“Leeds look like they may drift into the playoffs. Micah’s head slumps to the ground.”

At this point, Richards said: “Don’t want playoffs. Anything can happen in the playoffs. It’s devastating. So close yet so far.”

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	LeedsLeeds	36	22	10	4	72	23	49	76
2	Sheff UtdSheffield Utd	36	24	6	6	51	27	24	76
3	BurnleyBurnley	36	20	14	2	49	10	39	74
4	SunderlandSunderland	36	19	11	6	54	33	21	68

Leeds must avoid slipping into the play-offs this season

Devastating is exactly what it was. Leeds went on to lose to Southampton at Elland Road on the final day of the season, condemning them to the Play-offs.

Though they managed to get up for the semi-finals to defeat Norwich City 4-0 on aggregate, the final against the Saints was a step too far.

Not enough of Leeds’ stars, like Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter, turned up at Wembley and Adam Armstrong’s goal was the difference.

Perhaps Leeds would be stronger this time around with the experience, but to drop in to the Play-offs again after leading the way for so long would be a catastrophic psychological blow.

Farke has a massive task on his hands to manage the nerves and morale of everyone at the club and ensure the Premier League is secured the simpler way.