Leeds United fans may have been forgiven for feeling concerned that their side may struggle on Saturday without Dan James, who has arguably been the club’s best player this season.
Not only were Leeds without James, but Preston are a bogey team for Daniel Farke. Just four points from three games as Leeds boss, Farke had won two of nine league games against Preston before Saturday.
However, Saturday could not have gone much better for Leeds. A 2-1 win at Elland Road, with Manor Solomon and Jayden Bogle scoring the goals – while Sheffield United suffered a third consecutive loss.
It sees Leeds and Burnley climb to 88 points after Scott Parker’s men beat Norwich on Friday night, while Chris Wilder’s side look destined for the play-offs on 83 points after losing late on at Plymouth Argyle.
| 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 |
What Daniel Farke said about Dan James and Joe Rothwell
James suffered a hamstring injury at Middlesbrough while Rothwell picked up a calf issue just before the draw against Luton. Speaking after the win against Preston, Farke commented on James and Rothwell.
Asked directly about James, Farke said it is a “tight race” for James to be available against Oxford United on Good Friday. It would be an impressive turnaround for a hamstring injury, while Rothwell is still out.
“It will definitely be a tight race for him [Dan James] and Joe Rothwell for the Easter weekend at the moment. Perhaps, even a little bit more realistic that they will be available for after the Easter weekend.
“Of course, our medical department our trying everything to make them available especially because it is the crunch-time period. At the moment, I am planning for the players I have available with me today.”
How many more points do Leeds United need for promotion…
Five clear of third-placed Sheffield United with four games left to play is a wonderful position to be in. Last season, the blip came right at the end of the season – but two wins in a row sees Leeds end that blip.
Indeed, the drop in form has come and gone and Leeds look good to finish in the top two. But how many points do they need to secure a place in the automatic promotion places come May 3, away at Plymouth?
Well, it all depends on April 21’s clash between Sheffield United and Burnley. Burnley’s maximum, like Leeds is 100 – but to obtain 100 they need to beat The Blades – limiting Wilder’s men to just 92 points.
If Sheffield United win, they could reach 95 points. Basically, Leeds need seven points to secure automatic promotion given they would still be above Sheffield United on goal difference, if they won all four games.
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