Leeds United have been tipped to bounce back from their recent two-game winless run by picking up a much-needed victory against Blackburn Rovers this weekend.
The Whites have been one of the most in-form teams in the country since the turn of the year. Their 3-0 triumph over Birmingham City on New Year’s Day was the spark for their surge into automatic promotion contention, kicking off an impressive 15-game unbeaten streak.
With runaway leaders Leicester City faltering, Daniel Farke’s side took full advantage and even briefly topped the table last month. However, they have since slipped back into the play-off places following a 2-1 defeat against Coventry City before recording a 0-0 draw with Sunderland on Tuesday night.
This has allowed Ipswich Town to move back into second, despite themselves only picking up one point from their last two outings.
It appears as if the race will go down to the wire, although the Foxes must be considered the favourites to lift the title. Despite losing to Millwall last time out, neither of their promotion rivals were able to take advantage and Enzo Maresca’s team still possess a game in hand.
They could open up a four point gap on Leeds later tonight when they travel to relegation-threatened Plymouth Argyle, whilst the Yorkshire side host another team in danger tomorrow, with Blackburn travelling to Elland Road. The Yorkshire-based side know this is a must-win fixture, but their opponents are in dreadful form, having conceded five on Wednesday night against Bristol City.
It’s a game in which pundit David Prutton expects a comfortable reprieve for the home team though. Speaking on the Sky Sports Championship Predictions podcast, the pundit said:
“It has been another tricky week for Leeds. But, even with promotion out of their own hands, the feeling remains that winning their four remaining games will be more than enough.
“That quartet begins against Blackburn, who are arguably the worst team in the league aside from Rotherham right now. At Bristol City they were abysmal and they have picked up just two calendar wins all year. How one of them was a 5-1 victory at Sunderland, no one will ever know.
“This should be an easy pickings of a three points, but in the Championship anything can always happen.
“It’s been a frustrating week for Leeds. They were well beaten at Coventry, and then probably should have done more to beat Sunderland – even taking into account some questionable decisions that went against them. But after seeing Blackburn at Bristol City, I don’t see them putting up a huge fight. 3-1”
Writer’s View
Leicester’s early season form made for dull viewing from a neutral perspective as they appeared to be romping home to the title. However, their recent slump coupled with Ipswich and Leeds’ refusal to read the script has reminded us all why the Championship is one of the most exciting leagues in world football.
Few would bet against the Whites winning all their remaining games to dish out heartbreak to Kieran McKenna’s Tractor Boys, who have some exceptionally tough fixtures coming up. Southampton could still have a say though. The Saints will be hoping to make up some ground in their two extra games ahead of a trip to Elland Road on the final day of the season.
