Leeds United, under the guidance of Daniel Farke, has been in exceptional form since Christmas, positioning themselves as strong contenders for automatic promotion to the Premier League. The team has secured an impressive 37 points from a possible 39 in their 13 Championship fixtures in 2024, propelling them to the top of the league standings for the first time this season. As the promotion race intensifies, Leeds United faces a series of crucial matches that could determine their fate in achieving a Premier League return. LeedsLive provides an in-depth analysis of Leeds United’s next five fixtures in this critical phase.
Watford (Away) – Friday, March 29: Leeds United’s upcoming match against Watford presents a challenging encounter. Watford, currently 13th in the table, recently ended a four-match winless streak with a victory over Birmingham City, moving them nine points clear of the relegation zone. This match marks interim boss Tom Cleverley’s first home game in charge, where he aims to disrupt Leeds’ promotion hopes.
Hull City (Home) – Monday, April 1: The Easter period continues with a significant Yorkshire derby against Hull City at Elland Road. Hull City, vying for a playoff spot, has experienced a series of draws that have hindered their progress. Despite this, their away record is stronger than their home performance, adding an extra layer of competition to this fixture.
Coventry City (Away) – Saturday, April 6: Arguably the most challenging match in this series, Leeds United will face Coventry City, a team with aspirations in both the Championship and the FA Cup. Coventry’s home ground has proven to be a fortress this season, making this encounter a critical test for Leeds.
Sunderland (Home) – Tuesday, April 9: Despite Sunderland’s recent struggles, including a winless streak and poor away form, Leeds United cannot afford to underestimate their opponents. Leeds’ unbeaten home record this season will be crucial in securing a positive result.
Blackburn Rovers (Home) – Saturday, April 13: Blackburn Rovers have faced turmoil in recent months, with results not significantly improving under new management. Positioned precariously above the relegation zone, Blackburn’s visit to Elland Road presents Leeds with an opportunity to strengthen their promotion bid.
As Leeds United navigates through these fixtures, the team’s performance will be pivotal in maintaining their position at the top of the Championship and securing automatic promotion. The support and updates from LeedsLive’s WhatsApp community and social media channels will continue to provide fans with the latest news and insights as the season progresses.
Citations:
[1] https://theathletic.com/4627432/2023/06/22/leeds-championship-fixtures-2023-24-schedule-dates/
[2] https://www.planetfootball.com/leeds-united/comparing-leicester-leeds-ipswich-southampton-fixtures-championship-promotion
[3] https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/leeds-united-fixtures-compared-leicester-28744010
[4] https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/leicester-city-next-six-championship-9154429
[5] https://uk.soccerway.com/teams/england/leeds-united-afc/681/
[6] https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/leeds-united-championship-fixtures-live-27171234
[7] https://www.goal.com/en/team/leeds/fixtures-results/48gk2hpqtsl6p9sx9kjhaydq4
[8] https://onefootball.com/en/news/leeds-united-fixtures-next-five-games-after-leicester-draw-37314942