Following Leeds United’s 0-0 draw with Sunderland at Elland Road, Alan Brazil has told Patrick Bamford that he needs to regain his scoring touch if he wants to help the promotion push.
Ally McCoist, meanwhile, maintained the promotion race was too close to call given the uneven results of those at the top, though he confessed he expects Ipswich to advance.
With only one point separating the top three clubs following Leeds’ draw and Leicester’s loss to Millwall, Ipswich has the opportunity to go two points ahead if they beat Watford.
Brazil stated live on talkSPORT [06:52]: “That was a huge upset, I believe. After Leeds drew 0-0 with Sunderland, they maintained their lead.
“Leeds is struggling; it’s the goals. Bamford needs to find his scoring touch. Isn’t it incredibly tight? It will come down to the final game of the season, and you don’t want to be in the playoffs.
McCoist then insisted: “I believe it is difficult to call. I like Ipswich, but I have to be honest with you: I don’t know. Leicester can’t go a week without losing, and Southampton has little chance of automatic promotion right now.”
Patrick Bamford criticized during Leeds United promotion race
Bamford has been relied on as Leeds’ main number nine in recent weeks following his good run of form during the Christmas season, but after five games without a goal, he may now be costing Leeds an opportunity.
A 0-0 draw at Elland Road is far from the end of the world for Leeds, but coming on the same day that Leicester lost will be even more frustrating, and the forwards must stand up to supply the goals once more.
At this point in the season, it appears that none of the top three teams really desire to get promoted. Despite expectations, Leeds, Leicester, and Ipswich have all dropped points, causing the situation to become chaotic.
One of the three will have to make the playoffs, a fate Brazil warned against, and for good cause, as Elland Road fans will not remember their previous aspirations at postseason triumph.
