Leeds United have every chance of sealing automatic promotion on Friday, when both Burnley and Sheffield United play on the same day. Last Saturday saw the Whites benefit from a huge slip up from the Blades.
Later this week, Chris Wilder said it was just a blip and that his team’s season is not over yet. Sheffield United take on relegation-threatened Cardiff, while Burnley face a Watford side with a slim chance of making the playoffs.
As it stands, Opta has given both the Clarets and the Whites a 98% chance of promotion after Sheffield United fell five points behind last weekend. With four games left in the Championship, the top clubs need to brace themselves for anything.
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Leeds United handed late boost
Credit: Imago Images
Leeds face Oxford United on Friday in what could be another crucial step towards Premier League promotion. The Whites will be looking to make it three wins in a row, following huge victories over Middlesbrough and Preston. Daniel Farke’s men have a huge task as they go away to face Oxford, who themselves are a few points away from confirming their survival.
But Gary Rowett will be without two key stars as he confirmed Friday may be too early for Elliott Moore and Hidde Ter Avest. The U’s boss ruled out ter Avest, but hinted that Moore could feature in a limited capacity:
“Hidde probably won’t be available. We’ll see how he’s fared, but I would imagine he’ll be unavailable still. He might have a chance on Monday if all goes well.
“Elliott’s only trained a couple of days, so that’s probably, as much as you want to get your captain back involved as quickly as you can, it’s not much use to me having someone on the pitch who might only be able to come on for 10 or 15 minutes if the game’s really tight.
Oxford United are still a very dangerous side
Leeds should not underestimate the U’s, in their last five games they have picked up wins against Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday and Watford. Two of those wins came at home – Oxford have picked up 35 points at home compared to just 13 away from home.
Daniel Farke needs to approach this game with caution.
