Wilder makes big admission in Leeds v Sheffield United Championship title battle
Leeds United are locked in a brutal battle with Sheffield United for the Championship title.
The Whites thought that they were in pole position after the 3-1 victory over Chris Wilder’s side left them five points clear at the summit on 24 February.
However, that lead has been wiped out after Daniel Farke’s side fell to 1-1 draw against West Brom (1 March) and a 1-0 defeat to Portsmouth (9 March) and tensions are beginning to rise.
Chris Wilder makes Leeds title race admission
The Blades boss expects the battle for top spot to drag on until the end of the season in a razor-close finish to the campaign.
Speaking to BBC Radio Sheffield (10 March), he said: “This is going to be how it is right the way through, I’ve said all along it’s an accumulation of points.
“We’re old enough and experienced enough to know we have to get our heads down and work extremely hard for every result, and I mean every result, because there are no easy games in this division.
“This is the unpredictability of the Championship.”
Leeds need to focus on their results
The Whites need to pick themselves up after a disappointing afternoon on the South Coast and get ready to bounce back against Millwall at Elland Road (12 March).
Farke needs to ensure that his players focus on their own performances and results rather than what the Blades and Burnley are doing.
| Championship | Played | GD | Points |
| 1. Leeds | 36 | +49 | 76 |
| 2. Sheffield United | 36 | +24 | 76 |
| 3. Burnley | 36 | +39 | 74 |
There is no margin for error as third-placed Burnley are only two points behind the automatic promotion places and could easily overhaul the Elland Road outfit if they are distracted by things happening around them.
With five of their last 10 matches away from home, Leeds need to improve their away record if they are going to pip Wilder’s side to the title and hold off Scott Parker’s team to finish in the top two.
The Whites have dropped points in 10 of their 18 matches on the road, with eight wins, seven draws, and three losses, picking up a total of 31 points out of a possible 54.
In comparison, they have only not secured victory in four of their 18 home games, with 14 wins, three draws, and one defeat, for a total of 45 points.
If the Peacocks fail to secure automatic promotion to the Premier League, it will be a disaster after they have led the pack for the majority of the campaign and will significantly alter their summer plans, potentially leading to key players leaving the club.