On Monday night, Leeds United and Sheffield United will play another important match at Bramall Lane in an attempt to solidify their top spot. According to Troy Deeney, this match is essential in the battle for promotion.
The Sky Sports analyst shared his thoughts on the game on Saturday afternoon. The Whites are just days away from their next big Championship promotion matchup against the Blades, which hardly requires an introduction as first play second. On Monday night, Leeds overcame a deficit to defeat Sunderland at Elland Road, regaining their top status and moving seven points clear of third place. However, Burnley’s crushing victory over Sheffield Wednesday last night has since reduced that to four.
With a win over Sheffield United on Monday, Leeds will have the chance to go farther ahead of the pursuing group. Meanwhile, Chris Wilder and company will try to pass the league leaders on their home field, which means Burnley and Sunderland might close the distance on Daniel Farke’s team.
| Team | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goal Difference | Points | |
| 1 | Leeds United | 33 | 21 | 9 | 3 | +48 | 72 |
| 2 | Sheffield United | 33 | 22 | 6 | 5 | +24 | 70 |
Sheffield United vs. Leeds United prediction by Troy Deeney.
The Leeds vs. Sunderland game at Elland Road turned out to be a classic “six pointer” for promotion in the second half of a season. Now, when the Championship’s eyes are on Bramall Lane on Monday, they have a second game of great importance in store.
Leeds, the league leaders, have a great chance to take a five-point lead at the top of the second division when they go to play Sheffield United, who are now in second place. Before the season’s last 12 games, Deeney thinks it might be crucial.
Deeney was questioned about Monday night’s match in the lead-up to Sunderland’s match against Hull City. He stated:
I don’t think we are going to get [a] cat and mouse [type of game].
“I think both teams are set up the way they are. I actually think Chris Wilder will be a little bit more pragmatic in his approach.
“But, remember, the two points missing are the deducted points. So, they are actually level. They are actually playing really well and at the same standard.
“I think this is basically whoever wins will go on to win the league. That’s my prediction. No pressure.
“Let’s just have it off.”
Sheffield United and Leeds United will be optimistic about their prospects of promotion.
Although Monday’s match at Bramall Lane could have a significant impact on the order of things, both teams are comfortably positioned for automatic promotion to the Premier League. Leeds is currently leading the league table and has been playing very well since the year began. They haven’t lost in the Championship since November.
To refute Deeney’s assertion that they are on an equal footing, Leeds leads the league in both attacking and defensive xG and xGA records this season, thus the points don’t accurately represent their overall dominance. Regardless, Leeds’ performance is probably going to be sustained by those consistent numbers in the closing months of the season, irrespective of what happens in South Yorkshire on Monday night.
Leeds should still be seen as the favorites for the championship whether they win, draw, or lose because they are only one point away from defeat and their performances this season have been so consistently strong. The points don’t necessarily show Sheffield United’s supremacy, but rather their tenacity and resolve this season, even though Wilder’s team may push them all the way.
As they aim to reach the Premier League by automatic promotion rather than finishing in a play-off slot, both teams will be equally keen to keep their respective buffers above third-place Burnley and fourth-place Sunderland.
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