Leeds United are currently strong favourites to finish ahead of Ipswich Town and secure an immediate return to the Premier League.
That is according to Opta Analyst, who released their most recent estimates on Monday (11 March), following an active weekend of trading.
United began with a 2-0 victory away to Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday, with to goals from Patrick Bamford and Willy Gnonto.
Leicester City remains the Championship title favourites.
Leeds’ 11th win in 12 Championship games this season placed them back into second place behind Leicester City.
Ipswich seemed set to return to the automatic promotion zone after making a breakthrough against Cardiff City the next day.
However, the Bluebirds scored two goals in extra time to secure a much-needed victory for Leeds.
As a result, Leeds has a 75.6% chance of finishing in the top two, up from 21.6% at the end of December.
Leeds United’s incredible turnaround in 2024
Meanwhile, in the end of 2023, the Whites were projected to win the Championship by 1.5 percent. That figure presently stands at 28.6 percent.
Ipswich now has ‘only’ a 25.5 percent probability of finishing in the top two, demonstrating how significant one unexpected outcome can be.
Southampton has put a poor run behind them with consecutive wins, giving them a 7.3% chance of finishing first or second.
Finally, all of this can alter in the span of one or two outcomes, but the bottom line remains constant.
With nine games remaining in the Championship season, Leeds United has the opportunity to secure automatic promotion.
