Leeds United are on their way to promotion, but will it be automatic or through the play-offs?
With Leicester City leading the Championship by six points and Ipswich Town level on points with Leeds United in second place, the race for automatic promotion seemed to be coming down to the wire. And it doesn’t take into account Southampton, who will be eager for a fast response to their third loss in four games, which has dropped them to fourth place and five points behind Daniel Farke’s side.
The significance of Leeds’ 3-1 victory over Leicester City on Friday night is not lost on anyone, with the table looking far healthier than it would have if not for the late hat-trick of goals. While automatic promotion is unlikely to be decided until the final game of the season, Leeds should be able to secure a play-off spot considerably sooner if they maintain their current form.
With a 20-point lead over Norwich City, who are eighth and just outside the play-offs, Leeds may be assured of at least a play-off berth by the time they face Hull City on April 1, with six games remaining.
The Whites only need 17 points from the 36 available to qualify for the play-offs, and that assumes Norwich or Preston North End win all 12 of their remaining games, which is extremely unlikely given that they have each won only 15 of their first 34 games.
It means Leeds should be confirmed for the playoffs in March, and while that isn’t the ultimate aim for 49ers Enterprises right now, it would be the first step toward a record-breaking season.
