Alan Brazil drops ‘difficult’ Leeds United promotion prediction in ‘fantastic’ play-offs verdict
Alan Brazil has shared his Championship play-offs prediction as Leeds United prepare to face Norwich City in the semi-final first leg on Sunday (12 May).
Daniel Farke’s side narrowly missed out on automatic promotion on the final day, losing 2-1 to Southampton at Elland Road while Ipswich Town secured their spot in the Premier League with a victory over Huddersfield Town.
Leeds must travel to Carrow Road in the first leg of their play-off semi-final before coming back to Elland Road, with Southampton and West Brom facing off on the opposite side of the draw.
Speaking live via talkSPORT on Wednesday (8 May, 8:40am), Brazil said: “Norwich have just about sneaked in… If Leeds are clinical, they can win it.
“But Southampton can also do it, while West Brom are tough to beat and you never know with Norwich. Honestly, I think it will be Leeds. It’s a difficult one.”
Ally McCoist added: “The play-offs are fantastic. Just think of the drama we’ve had even before the boys have gotten to Wembley.”
Can Leeds United secure promotion to the Premier League this season?
For a neutral fan like McCoist, the Championship play-offs are one of the most exciting parts of the football season. From a Leeds fan’s point of view, however, nerves are about to skyrocket.
At one point in the season, it looked as though the Whites might be able to pip both Leicester City and Ipswich to the Championship title, though stumbles towards the end of the season occurred.
Recent form at Elland Road will be a concern coming into the match, with four losses in their last six games, including a 4-0 loss to QPR, a 1-0 loss to Blackburn Rovers and a 2-1 loss to Coventry City.
Farke will need to ensure his players can turn up to Carrow Road with all of that behind them, and rediscover their form from the rest of the campaign.
Even despite Southampton, West Brom and Norwich being difficult opponents, the talent at Elland Road suggests that Leeds should be the only team winning the play-offs this season.
In other Leeds news, the 49ers were “really big” on one former Premier League manager before hiring Daniel Farke.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.