The race for automatic promotion went from a three horse race, and has now become a straight shootout between Leeds United and Burnley.
With four games left, the Whites’ Premier League destiny lies in their own hands. Daniel Farke has done an incredible job this year, factoring in what happened during the season. Leeds lost their best players after losing the play off final last year. Multiple injuries tried to derail the team throughout the campaign, but the club continue to overcome obstacles.
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Sheffield United tipped to catch Leeds United in promotion race
Credit: Imago Images
Sheffield United slipped up as they lost to bottom side Plymouth, while Leeds and Burnley won their games to pull five points away from Chris Wilder’s side. Their aim of automatic promotion grows slimmer every week.
However, Ally McCoist has suggested on Talksport that the Blades can bounce back and rejoin the race for automatic promotion:
“It’s strange. Everybody has to concentrate on a massive Easter and then Sheffield United go to Burnley. if Sheffield United win those two games, then I suggest they are right back in the automatic chances.”
Burnley’s run of games look relatively moderate, while Leeds have a favourable run of games. The Whites face relegation-threatened sides in Oxford United, Stoke and Plymouth. Daniel Farke’s men also host Bristol City at Elland Road, where the club has an impeccable record.
Can Sheffield United catch up in the promotion race?
The Blades are five points behind both Leeds and Burnley with four games to go. As it stands, Opta has given them a 7.02% chance of automatic promotion. Chris Wilder’s side have a more favourable chance of making the playoffs at 92.98%.
Credit: Opta Analyst
With their upcoming fixtures, their chances look even more bleak. Sheffield United play Cardiff, Burnley, Stoke and Blackburn. Cardiff are fighting for survival and hope to avoid relegation, Burnley are fighting to win the title and automatic promotion and Blackburn have an outside chance of making the playoffs. Stoke are close to the relegation zone and need a few more points to guarantee safety.
So the notion that the Blades can catch up is far fetched. But in football, anything can happen.
The Blades are five points behind and not three. Would you not be better suited stacking shelves at Tesco?
If United had not rehired Wilder they would have a better chance of going up. He has blown their automatic promotion chance and will blow their playoff chance. And it will not be his fault, he blames the referees his players but not his coaching inadequacies. He can’t get united to beat Leeds or B urnleycan’t handle the pressure, which is why he will walk away again