Leeds United will play Sheffield United and Sunderland, two of their fiercest promotion opponents, in two crucial games soon.
For Leeds United, everything are going well right now. They are two points ahead of Sheffield United in second place and five ahead of Burnley in third place after winning their past three games and going six games without giving up.
However, the Championship promotion picture might change significantly in a few weeks. On Monday, Leeds United hosts Sunderland at Elland Road. The following Monday, they travel to Bramall Lane to play Sheffield United.
Daniel Farke’s side thrashed Watford 4-0 in their last outing and carry a lot of energy into the current stretch of fixtures, with six games now lying between Leeds and the next international break.
Meanwhile, there’s just 14 games of the season remaining. The quest for promotion is far from over because there are still 42 points up for grabs. But the following two games could decide whether Leeds wins or loses.
Chris Wilder provides an early assessment of Leeds United vs. Sheffield United.
Chris Wilder has undoubtedly spoken out on Leeds United and the competition for promotion this season. Wilder stated at the end of January that he doesn’t think anyone is slowing down in the hunt for the Championship crown, which has undoubtedly been the case at Leeds.
After defeating Middlesbrough 3-1 at Bramall Lane on Wednesday, the Blades gained a crucial three points. Wilder’s team will go to Luton Town next, but the seasoned Championship manager is already considering the Leeds match.
“Listen, it’s three points,” he told the media following the victory over Boro. Our season won’t be made or broken by it. Of course, Leeds would have an advantage, but if we lose against Luton, Leeds would have an advantage as well.
I’m too seasoned and old to lose sight of the goal. It’s a game that will play itself. We must give Saturday our whole attention. Going there and getting a result is still quite challenging.
“The Leeds United match will be resolved on its own. Our season won’t be defined by it. In order to have a successful outcome on Saturday, we must make sure we are working extremely hard throughout the next few days.
Leeds United’s promotion-race mind games under Chris Wilder
Leeds and Sheffield United were widely regarded as the two front-runners for promotion even before the season began. That has undoubtedly been the case thus far, albeit Burnley and Sunderland are also very much in the running.
Throughout the season, Wilder has offered commentary on the promotion picture and even tried his hand at some mind games with Leeds United.
In December, after claiming that his Sheffield United team was “nowhere near” the caliber of certain other title contenders, Wilder subtly praised Leeds United.
“We’re not even close to the teams that are nailed on to go straight back up,” he stated. You have to put in effort for everything. We’ll get better performances than this if we have a good January and aid these players a little.
Without a doubt, the Bramall Lane game will be a huge hit. However, both teams have important games before of that, and both Leeds and Sheffield United will need to win these earlier games in order to advance to their title match on February 24.
