This weekend, Leeds United go up against Luke Ayling’s Middlesbrough at The Riverside in the first of three remaining Championship matches this season – with the race for the top two incredibly tight.
Leeds sit in third after just one win in five, losing matches to Coventry City and then Blackburn Rovers. The Whites sit a point behind Leicester, who have a game in hand in second. Two off Ipswich, both playing 43.
Boro go into the game unbeaten in nine, winning five of those. A good run of form, even if the play-offs are now beyond Michael Carrick’s men. A dangerous opponent in good form, with nothing to play for.
However, what will boost Leeds is that both Luke Ayling and Sam Greenwood will not be available for Carrick’s side – given they are both on loan at Boro from Leeds. But Leeds are away from Elland Road.
Luke Ayling on whether Leeds will be promoted this season
With Leeds needing to claw back some points, the remaining three games are must win. There is plenty going on behind the scenes – including Stuart Dallas’ retirement, and the Player of the Season awards.
Last night, Ayling was in attendance at the awards despite being on loan at Boro. Ethan Ampadu won the Player of the Season award and Crysencio Summerville won the Players’ Player of the Season last night.
Ayling was also among the awards, winning a Special Achievement Award with Liam Cooper and Dallas: “Time for these boys to show what they can do, they’re a great team. I’m pretty sure they’ll get promoted”
How do Leeds fixtures compare to Ipswich and Leicester?
So, Leeds go to Middlesbrough and then QPR – often a bogey team for the Whites. On the final day of the season, Leeds play host to Southampton who are only three behind Leeds and have a game in hand.
Leicester still have four to play, losing four of the last six. They have two really tough games next, but both at The King Power against West Brom and then Southampton. Then, Preston and Blackburn.
Two sides Leeds have lost to this season. A really tough run of games for the Foxes. Ipswich are probably the side that boast the best run in. They go to Hull and Coventry which will be tough. Then, Huddersfield.
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