Tim Sherwood makes Leeds United prediction in ‘Crazy’ Sky Sports admission
Leeds United got their promotion push back on track with a 1-0 win over playoff chasers Middlesbrough on Tuesday.
The Whites had previously won just one Championship game in six attempts, and subsequently slipped out of the automatic promotion spots.
However, Daniel Farke’s men successfully returned to the top of the table, thanks to Dan James’ goal at the Riverside Stadium.
Farke and Co were also pleased that promotion rivals Burnley were held to a draw at Derby, while Sheffield United were beaten by Millwall at Bramall Lane.
Sherwood tips Leeds to win promotion amid ‘crazy’ Championship run-in
The Whites will be thrilled that they are top of the Championship table with just five games remaining, but the West Yorkshire giants are still just two points clear of third-place Sheffield United.
| Championship table (Top three) | Games played | Goal difference | Points |
| 1 Leeds | 41 | 52 | 85 |
| 2 Burnley | 41 | 43 | 85 |
| 3 Sheffield United | 41 | 25 | 83 |
Speaking on Sky Sports Football, Sherwood tipped Leeds to win promotion [22:24, 9 April], saying: “This league is crazy, and the top can beat the bottom at any stage. I don’t think you can handpick and say they’ve got a better run-in.
“I think you want to stay clear of Sheffield United, Leeds, and Burnley. I’d want to stay clear of them. Millwall have got Burnley last game of the season. Millwall is a very important game, they might need that.
“Burnley might be out of the automatic spots by then, and they might be resting players for the playoffs. It’s all about timing when those games come. So it’s hard to call, this is a crazy old league.”
Leeds must beat Preston on Saturday
If Sherwood’s prediction comes true and Burnley fall out of the automatic promotion spots, then Leeds and Sheffield United would finish in the top two at the Clarets’ expense.
But to remain in the automatic promotion positions, Farke’s men must build on the momentum they established with their victory at Middlesbrough.
The league-leading Whites are in the best possible position they can be with so few games remaining, but Burnley and Sheffield United are still breathing down their necks.
If Farke’s side drop points against Preston this weekend, there is every chance that they could be leapfrogged by both the Clarets and the Blades.
Despite losing both of their last two games, Sheffield United should get back to winning ways on Saturday as they take on Plymouth, who look set for relegation and still sit bottom of the league.
Meanwhile, Burnley would, at least temporarily, overtake Leeds into top spot if they beat an out-of-form Norwich at Turf Moor on Friday night.