The latest Leeds United news, as the Whites reclaim the lead in the fight for automatic promotion from the Championship at the end of the season.
This season’s Championship promotion and title battle has already taken several twists and turns, with more to come in the coming weeks.
While it’s not good for the teams’ nerves, the neutrals enjoy the drama and entertainment. Leeds were allowed to relax after scooping up three points with a 2-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday on Friday night.
The victory, combined with Ipswich’s loss to Cardiff City in Saturday’s early kickoff, has put their fate back in their own hands. The results meant Leeds finished the weekend in second place, with 79 points, one ahead of Ipswich in third.
Southampton’s victory over Sunderland increased their lead to 73 points, and they now have a game in hand on their promotion opponents. That will soon alter to two games in hand, as they are not in play next weekend.
Leicester’s point against Hull City puts them three points ahead of Leeds at the top of the league. The fact that the Foxes will be in FA Cup play next weekend allows the Whites to narrow the gap, although Leicester will still have a game in hand.
Looking at the stats, Leeds can finish with a maximum of 106 points, compared to Ipswich’s 105. That means that in order to guarantee a spot in the top two at the end of the season, the squad must score 27 points, while the goal differential suggests that 26 points will enough.
To ensure a top-two finish, Leeds must win all nine of their remaining games. Looking at the title, they would need Leicester to drop at least three points to surpass Enzo Maresca’s team at the top of the league.
