Leeds United told three players must be sold if certain development plays out
Leeds United put themselves back in the Championship driving seat with their victory in midweek.
The 2-0 win over Millwall at Elland Road put Leeds two points ahead towards the finish line in a much-needed response after a shock defeat by Portsmouth three days earlier.
QPR provide the final test before the international break, with the Whites having lost each of their last four visits to Loftus Road, but Leeds look confident this time around that they can complete the promotion job.
Leeds needs to be smart if promoted to Premier League
Leeds must consider a “massive rethink” if they get promoted this season in order to stay afloat, according to Ian Darke.
The TV commentator and football analysis expert admitted the gulf is becoming larger between the Premier League and Championship, and the best performers in Daniel Farke’s squad still need a massive step up if they are to survive.
Leeds could also require major surgery on the squad to be strong enough to establish themselves back in the Premier League.
“Last season, all three of the teams that got promoted came back down again, and that looks very likely to be the case again,” Darke exclusively told MOT Leeds News.
“Clubs like Leeds who are looking to get promoted have to have a massive rethink on how they go about things. We saw Burnley and Southampton come up in the past year or two and backfire with what they’ve tried to do from the Championship days.
“I’m afraid to say that of the players who get them into the division, they have to replace three or four to be competitive. Brighton and Brentford, and Bournemouth apart from one relegation, have shown how to do it properly. It’s one thing lifting the Championship trophy; it’s another stepping up in August.”
Farke focused on QPR test
With nine cliched ‘cup finals’ to play, Leeds are firmly focused on the upcoming trip to QPR before the international break.
Loftus Road was certainly not a happy hunting ground for the Whites last season, battered 4-0 in late April as the automatic promotion bid slowed down at the crucial moment.
| Leeds United last four at QPR | Date |
| QPR 4-0 Leeds | 26 April 2024 |
| QPR 1-0 Leeds | 18 January 2020 |
| QPR 1-0 Leeds | 26 February 2019 |
| QPR 2-1 Leeds | 6 January 2019 |
This time around, Leeds boss Farke refuses to celebrate too much, knowing there is no room for error and the players know it too.
Many of them look like they are loving their football at Elland Road, though some may only be enjoying themselves on the basis they can secure promotion.
After the internationals, Leeds host Swansea City at Elland Road on 29 March before the run-in officially begins.