Leeds United need a miracle if they are to finish in second on Saturday and gain automatic promotion to the Premier League and Simon Jordan has given his verdict.
Leeds go into this weekend’s clash against Southampton at Elland Road sitting three points behind Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich, after losing to QPR last Friday in a shock 4-0 defeat at Loftus Road.
That loss opened the door for Ipswich in their two games in hand and The Tractor Boys took advantage. Drawing away at an impressive Hull City side, Ipswich then went to Coventry and secured a 2-1 win.
Ipswich only need to avoid defeat to gain automatic promotion against a Huddersfield side that are pretty-much relegated. The Terriers need to win and a 15-goal swing in their favour to survive in the Championship come Saturday evening.
Leeds meanwhile take on Russell Martin’s Southampton in a possible mirror copy of the Championship play-off final at Wembley on May 26. A Saints side with huge quality, but one that have lost their last three games including a 5-0 loss to Leicester.
Simon Jordan responded when asked if he thinks Leeds can produce a miracle and overtake Ipswich on the final day of the season and here is what he said on TalkSPORT on Wednesday:
Simon Jordan predicts if Leeds can produce final-day miracle
“I sincerely doubt it [another twist could occur]. That’s assuming Leeds win their game because if Leeds don’t win their game, Ipswich don’t need any points. Really and truly, I can’t imagine it,” Jordan said.
“Huddersfield are in the bottom three for a reason, Ipswich are at home, the hard yards were done at Coventry. I expect them to do more than enough to win the game. It’s a remarkable achievement.”
Huddersfield did come close to upsetting Ipswich in the reverse fixture, with Brandon Williams scoring a late equaliser for McKenna’s men to draw 1-1 while Leeds lost 3-1 to Southampton at St. Mary’s.
Daniel Farke has a few decision to make to his Leeds side
Daniel Farke may be tempted to make a few changes to his side after watching those that are normally so consistent flop at QPR. Connor Roberts could be fit for the clash after missing the last two matches, but an update is due on Thursday from Farke.
He should be given a run out if fit in order to replace Sam Byram who struggled against Marti Cifuentes’ side. Patrick Bamford should have recovered from a knock to his knee that saw him sidelined at QPR.
Certainly, Joel Piroe struggled in London and if Bamford is unfit it could be a good time to hand Mateo Joseph his first league start. Glen Kamara will also be hopeful he is reinstated into the starting line-up after being benched for the last three games.