Jeff Stelling has stated that the Championship match between Leeds United and Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium on April 22 will be “massive” for the hosts.
Leeds are now third in the league, two points behind Ipswich and four behind Leicester; a win would put them back in the automatic promotion places.
This might be a boost for Daniel Farke’s side, giving them a lead over Ipswich, who play again on April 27.
Stelling said live on talkSPORT [22 April, 07:00]: “It’s a massive game for Leeds United against a Boro side who are undefeated in nine, so they’re in good form themselves.”
Leeds United face ‘massive’ game in the Championship promotion battle.
With only three Championship games remaining, getting all three points from Middlesbrough, who are in impressive form and have a slim chance of making the playoffs, would be a significant step forward for Leeds.
Ipswich were scheduled to play Coventry over the weekend until the game was rescheduled owing to the FA Cup semi-final, giving Leeds the opportunity to leapfrog their opponents and build a psychological advantage at this time.
If they are able to recapture an automatic promotion spot, however fleeting it may be depending on other results, Leeds will be determined to stay there and avoid the uncertainty that comes with playoff qualification.
Southampton had been expected to challenge Leeds and Ipswich for second place behind Leicester, but a stunning defeat to Cardiff City has left them three points behind Farke’s side, with a substantially poorer goal difference and a massive mountain to climb.
