Alan Brazil and Ally McCoist have disagreed on whether Leeds United would gain automatic promotion to the Premier League after Leicester City defeated Southampton on Tuesday (23 April).
The Foxes made a strong statement after defeating fellow promotion contenders Southampton 5-0 at the King Power Stadium, increasing their lead over the Whites to four points at the top of the table.
Ipswich Town has a game in hand over the other two clubs, and it appears like the Whites will compete with the Tractor Boys for the second automatic position.
Brazil said on talkSPORT on Wednesday (24 April, 6:23am): “It looks as though Leicester, with either Ipswich or Leeds, are going up automatically.”
McCoist interrupted, saying, “I believe you’re a little presumptuous there. With two games remaining, Leicester is just five points ahead of third place.
Brazil responded to the current Championship standings, saying, “Away you go, Leicester are up! Leicester, Leeds, or Ipswich – two out of three. Leicester and Ipswich will advance, while Leeds and Southampton will compete in the playoffs.
“No, not yet,” McCoist said. “They’re on 94 points, Leeds on 90, and Ipswich on 89 with three games remaining. If Leeds wins both of their games and Ipswich draws one, Leeds will be ahead.”
Can Leeds United overtake Leicester City and Ipswich Town for automatic promotion?
Following their 5-0 defeat, opposition fans promptly ruled the Saints out of the automatic promotion spots, leaving them five points behind Ipswich.
Leeds, on the other hand, won after going three games without a win, edging Middlesbrough in a seven-goal thriller at the Riverside Stadium on Monday, April 22.
Final games against QPR and Southampton will be exceedingly difficult for Daniel Farke’s side, with facing the Saints at Elland Road on the final day of the season being a critical detail.
Enzo Maresca’s side appear to have recovered their form at the right time, with back-to-back victories over West Brom and Southampton, with many predicting that just second place is available.
Farke’s previous experiences with Norwich City should determine whether Leeds makes it to the Premier League or drops out of the playoffs.
Many fans are aware of the risks of the playoffs, and the Elland Road faithful will be desperate to avoid the nail-biting fixtures, preferring to watch them from the beach.
