Opta issue eye-opening Championship promotion prediction involving Leeds, Burnley and Sheffield United

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So, Leeds United’s push for automatic promotion has taken another downward turn with The Whites now two points behind Sheffield United – and Opta Sports have delivered a new prediction.

Just a month ago after Leeds had beaten Sheffield United, The Whites were five points clear at the top of the Championship table. But one win in five has come at the worst possible time in search of promotion.

It comes when Sheffield United and Burnley seem to be going from strength to strength. Both sides have picked up 13 points in the same time Leeds have managed just six, surrending their lead at the top.

Tim Sherwood still thinks Leeds will get the job done and finish second. Gary Lineker says one thing in Leeds’ favour is that Sheffield United and Burnley play each other in the third-last round of fixtures.

• READ MORE: Daniel Farke opens door to Leeds possibly signing midfielder Julian Weigl

Opta Stats provide prediction and it’s a lot worse for Leeds

Following the win over Sheffield United, Opta gave Leeds a whopping 98.1% chance of automatically going up. Troy Deeney predicted that Leeds might confirm promotion towards the end of March.

Now, Opta have given another prediction from the so-called supercomputer. They say that Leeds’ chances of automatic promotion have reduced heavily, by a huge 24.1% – to just 74% for promotion.

They say: “Following Leeds’ win over Sheffield United, the Opta supercomputer gave them a 98.1% projected chance of automatic promotion. Today, that’s reduced to 74.0%. Are Leeds about to fall apart?”

Leeds United need to beat Luton Town on Saturday…

Saturday’s game is pivotal. Not simply because Leeds need the points, but because any more failures to win will turn fans against Farke and Leeds even further with Sheffield United and Burnley on fire.

Sheffield United go to Oxford United and that should be a foregone conclusion even away from home. Burnley play against Coventry City away from home, a tougher test but one they should come through.

The likelihood is that Burnley and Sheffield United will pick up wins and Leeds simply have to get back to winning ways before it is too late, and it feels like they are chasing again – just like last season.