Ipswich Town legend says Leeds United will not get chance to sneak into top two
Leeds United will have to settle for the play-offs if they are to return to the Premier League at the first attempt, says Ipswich Town legend Mick Mills.
Following Ipswich’s 2-1 win at Coventry City on Tuesday night, the Tractor Boys are within touching distance of back-to-back promotions.
The automatic spot would come at the expense of Leeds, who must beat Southampton at Elland Road and hope Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield Town can snatch an unlikely win at Ipswich.
Mills, who played a record 737 times competitively for Ipswich from 1966 to 1982, told BBC Radio Suffolk: “[Ipswich] won’t give this up now. Not now.
“I think we will get promoted to the Premier League now, without question. You only had to witness the attitude of the players on Tuesday.
“Their efforts mean they are in charge of their own destiny. I certainly do not see them losing that.”
Can Leeds United achieve the impossible?
With Ipswich now marketed as a 1/33 shot to finish their mission and make a long-awaited Premier League return, it is up to Leeds to embrace the underdog mentality.
As much control of their destiny come Saturday afternoon lies with themselves as with a Huddersfield side all but mathematically consigned to League One next season with one win in 11.
Many expert opinions have advised Daniel Farke’s team to simply prepare thoroughly for a crucial play-off semi-final, but that mental strength has to be there from the first whistle in case the Terriers spring a surprise at Portman Road.
While most Leeds supporters hold next to no hope of their fellow Yorkshiremen offering a huge favour, a doomed Huddersfield may well take the opportunity to play fearlessly and on the front foot.
Saturday provides Ipswich an olive branch to the promised land, but also heaves on pressure the club have seldom known for decades. Lose and Leeds win, and they may not get this chance again.
In other Leeds United news, Simon Rix has made a Patrick Bamford “problem” admission.
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