Leeds United and Sheffield United will square off at Bramall Lane on Monday night, hoping to enhance their position at the top in a game that Troy Deeney believes is critical in the race for promotion.
The Whites are just days away from their next big Championship promotion match, against the Blades, in a game that requires little introduction as first and second, with the Sky Sports pundit outlining his thoughts on Saturday afternoon.
Leeds surged seven points clear of third place on Monday night after rallying from behind to defeat Sunderland at Elland Road, returning to first place. Burnley’s resounding victory over Sheffield Wednesday last night has reduced that number to four.
Leeds have the opportunity to extend their advantage over the pursuing group with a win against Sheffield United on Monday night, while Chris Wilder and co. will be seeking to overtake the league leaders on their own turf, meaning Burnley and Sunderland might close the distance on Daniel Farke’s side.
Troy Deeney’s predictions for Sheffield United vs Leeds United
The encounter between Leeds and Sunderland at Elland Road was typical of a promotion’six pointer’ in the second half of the season. A second game of epic proportions awaits them on Monday, when the Championship’s eyes will be on Bramall Lane.
Leeds United, the league leaders, head to Sheffield United, where they have a great chance to open up a five-point lead at the top of the second division. Deeney believes it might be critical heading into the remaining 12 games of the season.
Deeney was asked about Monday night’s game before Sunderland’s match against Hull City. He stated, “I don’t think we will get [a] cat and mouse [type of game].”
“I believe both teams are set up as they are. I believe Chris Wilder will be a little more reasonable in his approach.
“Remember, the two points that are missing are the deducted points. So they’re genuinely level. They are genuinely playing quite well and at the same level.
“I believe whoever wins will go on to win the league. That is my prediction. There is no pressure.
“Let’s just have it off.”
Leeds United and Sheffield United will be confident about their promotion prospects.
Both teams are comfortably in contention for automatic promotion to the Premier League, but Monday’s game at Bramall Lane might change the order of things. Leeds, who have not lost in the Championship since November, are presently top of the league standings and have been in particularly good form since the turn of the year.
However, contrary to Deeney’s claim that they are equal, the points do not reflect Leeds’ overall domination this season, since they lead the league in both defensive and attacking xG and xGA records. Those sustained figures are likely to keep Leeds in form in the final months of the season, regardless of what happens in South Yorkshire on Monday night.
Win, draw, or lose, Leeds should still be considered title favourites, given their one-point lead over defeat and the consistency of their performances this season. Wilder’s side may push them all the way, but the points do not necessarily indicate Sheffield United’s supremacy, but rather their tenacity and resolve this season.
In any case, both clubs will be equally eager to maintain their respective leads over third-place Burnley and fourth-place Sunderland, as they want to reach the Premier League via automatic promotion rather than a play-off spot.
