The Championship table reads as follows – Leeds United are top, level on points with second-placed Burnley, five ahead of Sheffield United with four games to go. For Leeds, promotion looks good.
Leeds fell away last season, securing just seven points in their last seven games. The difference this time around is that the blip has not come in the final few games, but early enough for Leeds to turn it around.
The blip came after the wins over Sunderland and Sheffield United, winning just one of the next six and even losing a fourth game of the season to Portsmouth. But, Leeds have rallied with two straight wins.
Victories over Middlesbrough and Preston came as Sheffield United’s lost three in a row. Ally McCoist says Sheffield United still have a chance at the top two, but Leeds are now five clear of Sheffield United.
Gabby Agbonlahor praises Leeds and makes Sheff Utd prediction
With four games to go, Leeds go to Oxford United on Friday before taking on Stoke, Bristol City and Plymouth. Four very winnable games for Daniel Farke’s side, but it is not as simple for the other two.
Sheffield United have to go to Burnley on Monday, while Burnley’s run-in – despite being the team in the best form of the three sides chasing the top two – is the hardest. Gabby Agbonlahor has had his say.
Often a wind-up merchant when it comes to Leeds United, Agbonlahor praised Leeds on TalkSPORT on Monday (April 14, 4.55PM) and thinks Sheffield United have given themselves too much to do.
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“To me, Wilder is losing it. You can’t lose to Millwall and then Plymouth. Five points is the gap, four games left, they have to play Burnley but at this stage of the season, Leeds and Burnley are keeping their nerve.
“Leeds are keeping their nerve, the pressure was one for them. It’s going to be very difficult [for Sheffield United]. Sheffield United might even drop points. Leeds and Burnley look like they’ll be the top two.”
What Chris Wilder said after Sheff Utd’s loss at Plymouth
Perhaps still in the heat of the moment after his completely unprovoked reaction to Darko Gyabi and a Plymouth teammate walking past Sheffield United fans, Wilder spoke about his side’s shock 2-1 defeat.
Wilder’s verdict on Sheffield United’s chances was telling. He made it clear that sides pushing for the top two cannot lose three games in a row at this stage of the season – but did state he would not give up.
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Like Leeds, Sheffield United have a dismal record in the play-offs and will be keen to avoid finishing in third for obvious reasons. But to stand any chance, they have to win their remaining four league games.
Even if Sheffield United do win their four remaining matches which is unlikely given they will have to go to Burnley, who are unbeaten in 29, Leeds will only need seven points from the last four matches.