Ipswich Town crushed Leeds United’s slim hopes of automatic promotion on the final day of the Championship season, as Kieran McKenna’s side finished second.
It means the play-offs for Leeds, who enter the shootout for the last promotion spot in poor form. Daniel Farke’s men lost 2-1 at Southampton on Saturday, their fourth defeat in six outings.
The burden of keeping the heat on Ipswich and keeping up with the Tractor Boys proved too much for Leeds, who must now compete with Norwich, Southampton, and West Brom for promotion.
With Norwich losing to Birmingham City on the final day of the season, West Brom secured fifth place and will face Southampton, while Leeds face Farke’s former club in the first leg on Sunday at Elland Road.
Leeds will go into the game confident, having won both meetings against Norwich at Carrow Road and then at home, albeit by one goal each, but the play-offs are cruel.
Troy Deeney discussed who he believes will be promoted from the play-offs on Sky Sports over the weekend. This is what the former Premier League striker stated:
Troy Deeney predicts who will be promoted from the play-offs.
Four major clubs will compete for a spot at Wembley Stadium and promotion to the Premier League. Leeds finished third, and on paper, they are the finest team in the competition.
However, Farke’s side has struggled recently, losing to QPR, Coventry, Blackburn, and fourth-placed Southampton. To have a chance, Leeds must unify and make significant improvements.
However, Deeney offered some hope to Leeds fans as the play-offs begin this weekend. He feels Leeds have the best side of the four, and it will be enough to get them over the line in the playoffs.
“He [Farke] must believe in that positive. They’ve reached a point where that will be quite upsetting. You expect Leeds to improve if everyone performs to their full potential. Leeds has the best team.
“The pressure is on Leeds and Southampton. With Leeds’ current form, the supporter base will be thinking, ‘Hold on, are we sure we can go up here?’ “That could change very quickly.”
What will the play-offs look like depending on the 2023-24 results?
Leeds defeated Norwich both at home and away, with a late Crysencio Summerville winner at Carrow Road and a Dan James goal at home, to win 3-2 and 1-0, respectively, therefore Farke’s side is anticipated to reach the final.
Southampton also completed the double over West Brom, defeating Carlos Corberan’s team 2-1 at St. Mary’s before winning 2-0 away. Many people expect a final between Leeds and Southampton based on previous results.
But that’s where the good news for Leeds ends, as Saturday’s defeat demonstrates how difficult it will be for Farke’s side to beat Southampton, having lost both at home and away.
