Good Morning. It's Wednesday 19th February, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Farke targets 92 points
Daniel Farke has urged his Leeds United side to secure 20 more points from their remaining 13 Championship fixtures to guarantee automatic promotion. While the current form guide suggests Leeds could reach a phenomenal 100 points, the German manager is taking a more cautious approach, aiming to reduce the pressure on his players.
Farke acknowledged the team's positive position but stressed the long road ahead. Historically, 92 points have been sufficient for promotion in five of the last six seasons (excluding the previous campaign). The last time two teams surpassed 92 points for promotion was in the 2016/17 season, when Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion achieved 94 and 93 points, respectively.
Yes, there's a gap, (between Leeds and Burnley in third) and that's definitely, definitely good. But sadly there are more than just four or five games to go. Sadly, we have still many, many games to go. If we were to stop right now on 72 points, we would perhaps make it into the top six, but it's not guaranteed. Hopefully we won't lose all the last 13 games, so I think it's a major step. But we have to definitely reach the play-offs and in order to be there in the top two with automatic promotion, yeah, we need to win 20 more points. And for that, it's a long road. Each and every game is complicated.
Farke appeal dashed
Daniel Farke will be forced to watch his side's crucial Yorkshire derby against Sheffield United from the stands next Monday, after receiving his third yellow card of the season against Sunderland. Despite supporters hoping for an appeal, FA rules state that yellow cards, considered minor disciplinary actions, are not eligible for appeal, dashing any hopes of overturning the touchline ban.
While Farke will be present at Bramall Lane, his matchday experience will be significantly altered. He is prohibited from occupying his usual dugout position before, during, and after the game. Leeds fans accustomed to Farke's post-match salute to the travelling support will also be disappointed, as touchline bans explicitly forbid entering the field of play at any point.
He will be unable to actively coach his team or issue instructions during the match itself. However, the rules do allow him to participate in pre-match, half-time, and post-match team talks in the dressing room. He can also engage with match officials before and after the game, provided they are agreeable to such an approach, but crucially, any interaction in the tunnel is strictly forbidden.
FA rules offer no recourse. Regulations classify a yellow card as a 'minor disciplinary action,' and appeals are only permissible for more serious offenses. The FA, in alignment with PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited), maintains this stance to prevent a deluge of appeals against yellow cards.
95.7% chance of promotion
Leeds have a 95.7% chance of promotion this season, according to leading sports analytics company OPTA. Unsurprisingly, the Blades are not far behind (62%), whilst Burnley (38%) and Sunderland (4%) make up the rest. They also tip the Whites to hold on to top spot, with a 78.8% chance of lifting the coveted Championship title with Sheffield Utd only afforded a 15.3% chance.
