Marching on together: Leeds run-in to Premier League potential

Since the Championship returned from its coronavirus-induced hiatus, it’s been a mixed bag for Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United. Played four, won two, lost one and drawn one. The loss came in their first match since the restart against Cardiff City, who occupy the final play-off place – and despite a recent slip-up, dropping points against bottom-of-the-table Luton Town, Leeds continue to cement their place at the top, and in turn, are favourites in all Championship odds regarding promotion.

The resounding 3-1 win against Blackburn Rovers at the weekend saw the gap between Leeds and third-placed Brentford remain at six points – with five matches left to play. After Patrick Bamford handed the visitors the early lead, Bielsa’s side remained in control, even when their deficit was cut. With West Bromwich Albion also winning their weekend fixture, the lead at the top was cut to a single point, and an immense level of focus will be required between now and the end of the campaign.

With the final few games coming thick and fast, now is not the time to worry about fixture congestion and instead, concentrate on the matter in hand. On paper, Leeds’ run-in is kind. It’s Stoke City up next, and while the Potters are staving off a possible relegation battle, Leeds saw all too recently how a team at the wrong end of the table can up their game for the big occasion – and both teams will be desperate for points for very different reasons.

It will be a similar story in the upcoming fixture to Barnsley, and final game of the season against Charlton Athletic – both of which are to be played at Elland Road. By the Charlton match, all associated with Leeds would hope that the extended campaign is wrapped up. But should it go down to the wire, that final match could prove all-important in determining the fate of teams at both the top and bottom of the table.

Sandwiched between those fixtures, it’s Swansea City and Derby County away – both teams pushing to finish in the play-offs, and the Rams are unbeaten since the season resumed. Both fixtures will be tough, with so much still to play for. However, over the weekend, the Whites were awarded a lifeline in their race to become division champions.

The news circulated from The Hawthorns where promotion rivals West Brom were playing Hull City. Despite getting on the scoresheet, defender Ahmed Hegazy was dismissed for a second bookable offence and ultimately, misses their midweek fixture to Derby. It will surely be a blow for the Baggies, and hand Leeds the ascendancy. It may be a slender lead at present, but Bielsa’s boys are in the driving seat and should all go to plan, a four-point gap could well open up ahead of the weekend’s round of matches.

The players and fans (albeit not currently in the stands) will know all too well the importance of finishing a season well. The last campaign ended in disappointment after Leeds had spent a large proportion at the top, before tailing off and finishing third, having failed to win any of their final four matches. The heartbreak of losing the play-offs is very real – and no doubt still rings in backs of minds. While the gap between first and third widens with games running out, promotion is top of the agenda and the team will be marching on together to earn that Premier League place next season – after all, it’s been a long time coming.

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