Leeds are one of the most storied and famous clubs in English football with a loyal and passionate fanbase pushing the team on. Formed more than one hundred years ago, the Whites have won the top division title three times and the FA Cup back in 1972. However, since the turn of the century, the team from Elland Road have spent most of the time in the second tier but are again aiming for a return to the big time.
One of the favourites to earn promotion from the Championship to the Premier League, Leeds boast one of the best squads in the league and will be confident of getting the job done. However, there is a still a long way to go and this article will tell you everything you need to know for the run-in.
The Story so Far
In the first half of the campaign, Leeds swiftly fixed a slow start to be right in amongst the automatic promotion spots at the turn of the year. The Whites lost only three times in 26 matches and were far and away the best goalscorers in the division, netting 48 times and pushing for nearly two goals per game. However, the team are not way out in front and in fact three other clubs have kept the pace with Daniel Farke's side. Up at the top of the table are Sheffield United and Burnley, both relegated from the Premier League last season, and Sunderland, who are aiming for a return to the top-flight for the first time in 2017.Many fans throughout the season will place wagers on the battle for promotion to add an extra layer of excitement to games and if you too are assessing whether to predict the outcome of matches and the final league table, you can check out Jackpot City Malawi to look at the various options around Leeds and their rivals this campaign. It's a wise move to check out the platform before making your casino and sports betting picks so that you can see that the site matches your preferences. Also take the time to explore different options and bonuses which could enhance your experience when selecting Leeds matches to wager on.
When betting on the Championship, track team news every week via pre-match press conferences and always follow the form guide so that you are in a position of authority when making your picks on the game.
What Happened Last Season?
The Leeds squad, management team and fanbase will be more determined than ever to get over the line and promoted this season after the events last time out. The Whites enjoyed a stellar campaign, scoring 81 goals and earning a massive 90 points. However, despite that tally usually being enough to earn promotion, Leeds were pipped to the top two spots by Ipswich, who recorded 96 points, and champions Leicester who earned 97 points.Forced to settle for third place, Leeds then had to navigate the play-offs which sees the teams who finished 3rd to 6th in the league face-off for the final shot at reaching the promised land of the Premier League. Winning would require great resilience from the Whites who had enjoyed such an impressive campaign but had missed out on their primary aim. In the semi-finals, Leeds showed their quality, earning a goalless draw against Norwich at Carrow Road before winning 4-0 at home in the return leg. However, in the final at Wembley, it seemed the campaign and push for promotion and gone on one game too long and Leeds lost 1-0 to Southampton, ending the dream and confirming Farke and his side would have to do it all again in the Championship.
Important Leeds Fixtures
Leeds have a busy April to get through as they fight for a place in the Premier League. Should they enjoy strong form in January, February and March, the final seven games will see them reach the final furlong and it remains to be seen if Burnley, Sheffield United and Sunderland will still be in the race.The start of April sees Leeds play two games away from home in just three days with Farke's team travelling to Kenilworth Road on Saturday before heading to Middlesbrough for a Tuesday night game at the Riverside Stadium. The Whites then host Preston at Elland Road before another trip, this time to Oxford United on a Friday evening. Then with three games remaining, Leeds had two home matches in front of their own fans which will no doubt see a big push for six points - a Monday night game with Stoke is first up before a Saturday clash against Bristol City. The Yorkshire giants end the season against Plymouth Argyle.
Besides facing Boro, the end of season run for Leeds sees them take on clubs all in the bottom half of the table as things stand which could be a blessing or a problem. Of course, the Whites will boast more quality but, at the business end of the campaign, teams at the wrong end of the table will be fighting for their Championship future.