Saturday’s disappointing draw with Swansea City leaves Leeds United in second place, two points behind Sheffield United and level on points with third-placed Burnley.
A far cry from the Leeds side that beat Sheffield United and Sunderland and opened up a five-point gap on The Blades. Daniel Farke’s men have now won once in five games, picking up just six of a possible 15.
With seven games left to play, Leeds fans are growing increasingly concerned that last season’s tail off is going to rear it’s ugly head for a second time and condemn The Whites to another play-off campaign.
Paul Merson is worried for Leeds but Tim Sherwood has now predicted who he thinks will finish first, second and third in the race for Championship promotion – out of Sheffield United, Leeds and Burnley.
Tim Sherwood picks first, second and third as Leeds trail Blades
Sheffield United and Burnley are both in stunning form – picking up a total of 13 points from their last five games. Seven more than Leeds in the same period, but there are still 21 points to play for this season.
Conceivably, Leeds could still break the 100-point barrier but will have to win 18 points from the seven left to play. Sherwood picked who will finish in first, second and third after Leeds drew with Swansea.
Tipping Sheffield United to win it, Sherwood predicted Leeds to come second: “I think Leeds will go up. They need to hold their nerve in the run-in. I really hope they do, not that I have anything against Burnley.
“I love Scott Parker. He is a friend of mine but I just want Leeds to be in the Premier League. It’s just a better league when they are in it,” Sherwood said live on Sky Sports’ coverage, as quoted by Leeds Live.
The one advantage Leeds United still have in promotion race
Realistically, Leeds are not going to win 21 points from the remaining seven games – but neither are Sheffield United or Burnley. There will be dropped points even if it is a possibility for Leeds, still.
But it is impossible for both Sheffield United and Burnley to both win seven games and that is given the two sides do battle in the third-last game of the season. Both could drop points, or one could be beaten.
So, Leeds have got to keep plugging away, pick up a win at Luton and get some momentum back ahead of Burnley’s clash against Sheffield United in April. Leeds still have it in their hands to secure promotion.
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