Don Goodman has been impressed by Leeds United’s recent performances, but he is backing Southampton for automatic promotion.
Leeds have won five Championship games in a run in 2024, and they defeated fellow promotion contenders Ipswich Town 4-0 in December.
Southampton have been in fantastic form, and they are presently in second position following a club-record 23-game undefeated run.
Goodman told MOT Leeds News about United’s chances of finishing in the top two: “I look back at the Ipswich performance and go, ‘Wow’.
“No one had done anything to them before. To win 4-0 at Elland Road was a tremendous performance – men versus boys.
“That was when you worried about Ipswich a little. You had a feeling they were going to sway slightly.
“It’s all coming together now, and it’s clearly a battle for second between Ipswich, Southampton, and Leeds.
“We’ve seen a remarkable improvement from Southampton. They are convincingly outperforming teams.
“If I’m being honest, I’d rate them as favourites to finish in the top two ahead of Leeds.
“Leeds must continue to apply pressure because pressure may produce unexpected results, as we witnessed when Leeds defeated Ipswich.
“All Leeds can do is continue chasing them down. The difference for me is that Southampton is putting on convincing performances.
“Ipswich and Leeds may both be unconvincing at times. At this point, I believe most people would support Southampton.
“How will they respond when they face hardship and lose a game, when their unbeaten streak comes to an end? Only then will we find out.
Leeds United’s Promotion Hopes
Following a comprehensive victory over Ipswich, Leeds suffered consecutive defeats to Preston North End and West Brom.
Leeds were nine points behind Ipswich for the second automatic promotion slot at the time, and they appeared to be out of contention.
It remains incredibly tight in that battle for second place, with the rest of February perhaps a defining period in the campaign.
Leeds need to keep this momentum going, with games against Rotherham United, Swansea City, Plymouth Argyle and Leicester City to come this month.
And if anyone needed reminding, Leeds are due to host Southampton at Elland Road on the final day of the season in what could be the ultimate shoot-out for a Premier League return.
