Leeds United have some work to do to gain promotion to the Premier League this season, and now have the added problem of Southampton right behind them.
The race for promotion to the Premier League is entering the final few weeks, with teams fumbling to cross the finish line. Leicester City, Ipswich Town, Leeds United and Southampton are all in with a shout of finishing in the top two.
However, as things stand, few of those teams are taking the opportunities presented to them at the moment. Daniel Farke and his team have failed to win any of their last three league games, keeping them third in the table.
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Fortunately for Leeds, Leicester and Ipswich have suffered similar fates, which keeps the table wide open with just a few games to go. The form of all three teams has opened up the opportunity to Southampton though.
The Saints have won all of their last three, putting themselves firmly back into the chase.
Russell Martin promotion claim
Southampton boss Russell Martin has fired a potential warning to Leeds as his side close down on them in the race for promotion. Speaking after the game, the manager told the Daily Echo: “I think it was a brilliant performance with some really beautiful stuff.
“It has been a big week for us. It has changed the dynamic. We were written off some time ago but the players have stuck at it and been resilient.
“We have the opportunity to take the points off teams around us but we have to take care of the next one against Cardiff and if we don’t then the others become a bit pointless.”
Championship fixture run-in
For Leeds, Southampton could be their biggest ally or their biggest foe heading into the final few weeks. The Saints still have to play Leicester, which could result in a favourable points swing for the Whites in regards to the top two.
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However, should Martin’s team still be involved in the final week, a head-to-head between Leeds and Southampton could cause problems. At this point, it’s pretty tight as all teams look to fumble their way over the line.
Farke still has to take his team to Middlesbrough and QPR before that clash with the Saints that could dictate promotion. With games running out, the Whites may require a perfect run of form, with help elsewhere for teams above to drop points.