David Prutton shares Leeds United, Ipswich Town promotion verdict

David Prutton predicts Leeds United, Ipswich Town results in final automatic promotion verdict

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on:

02 May 2024, 2:10 pm

David Prutton has delivered his Championship promotion prediction as Leeds United and Ipswich Town battle it out for the final automatic spot.

With just one match of the season remaining, Leeds are just three points behind Ipswich, while Leicester City have already been crowned champions.

The Whites have struggled for form in recent weeks, losing three of their last five matches and dropping out of the top two spots, and the Tractor Boys claiming an all-important victory against Coventry City on Tuesday 30 April.

Speaking via the Sky Sports Championship Predictions podcast on Wednesday (1 May), Prutton said: "I'm intrigued to see what the atmosphere is like at Elland Road because, if Ipswich lose and Leeds win, that goal difference is what would take them up.

"It's an unfortunate stumble at the most important time for Leeds. I think Leeds beat Southampton 1-0. At Portman Road, I'll go Ipswich to beat Huddersfield 2-0."

Leeds United and Ipswich Town battle for automatic promotion

While Leeds are just three points behind Ipswich ahead of the season finale, the latter are set to take on a deflated Huddersfield Town side who will require a drastic improvement in their goal difference to survive.

Though the Tractor Boys have been known to ship some goals this season, it is highly unlikely that the Terriers will be able to better their goal difference by at least 15 at Portman Road on Saturday 4 May.

This suggests that Leeds will need to come to terms with the idea of battling through the Championship play-offs, even despite their incredible form this season, especially having only lost once at Elland Road.

Daniel Farke has done a brilliant job but Leeds United may still need to face the play-offs

The play-offs are a very scary place at the end of the gruelling Championship season, but Daniel Farke's squad should have enough quality to secure their place in the Premier League for next season.

All eyes will be on Elland Road and Portman Road on the final day. It will be an exciting end to the season for any neutrals watching, but an absolutely nerve-wracking day for those involved.

In other Leeds United news, a teenage sensation is now set to snub Manchester United in order to move to Elland Road.

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Leeds United

David Prutton

Championship

Ipswich Town