Leeds United: Jeff Stelling shares ‘massive’ Middlesbrough verdict live on talkSPORT
Jeff Stelling has insisted the Championship clash between Leeds United and Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium on 22 April will be “massive” for the hosts.
With Leeds currently third in the league, two points behind Ipswich and four behind Leicester, a win would move them back into the automatic promotion places.
This could come as a boost to Daniel Farke’s side, giving them an advantage, albeit with an extra game played, over Ipswich who next play on 27 April.
Speaking live on talkSPORT [22 April, 07:00], Stelling shared: “It’s a massive game for Leeds United against a Boro side who are undefeated in nine, so they’re in good form themselves.”
Leeds United face ‘massive’ game in Championship promotion race
With just three games left to play in the Championship, taking all three points from a Middlesbrough side who are in impressive form and harbour an outside hope of reaching the playoffs would be another big step for Leeds.
Ipswich would have been due to play Coventry at the weekend before the game was rearranged due to the FA Cup semi-final, leaving Leeds with the opportunity to leapfrog their rivals and establish a psychological advantage at this stage.
If they are able to reclaim an automatic promotion place, however short-lived it may be based on other results, Leeds will be determined to stay there and avoid the uncertainty that comes with qualification for the playoffs.
Southampton had also been tipped to push Leeds and Ipswich close to second place behind Leicester, but a shock defeat to Cardiff City leaves them three points behind Farke’s side with a significantly worse goal difference and a huge mountain to climb.
In other Leeds United news, the club is targeting a move to sign one West Ham ace.
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