Leeds United have had a rollercoaster ride this season, right from registering memorable wins to getting hammered by some of the fellow Championship outfits; but then, their impressive performances have certainly overshadowed their gloomy period and their latest win against Birmingham City was the latest reminder that they deserve to ply their trade at the top tier of English football.
The Peacocks outclassed the Blues at St. Andrew’s to register a stupendous 1-3 away win and to ensure that there are no loose ends as far as their play-off places’ prospects are concerned. But, can they run that extra mile to clinch an automatic promotion spot?
Leeds United are placed fourth on the league table, having accumulated 64 points after 35 league outings. A top six finish is seemingly likely, unless they squander their chances in the most horrible of manners but let’s not forget the start Garry Monk garnered in the starting patches which must have made Massimo Celino take a thought about sacking the former Swansea City boss. But his persistence has yielded substantial dividends as Monk guided his troops meticulously to steer them up the ladder to create a glimpse of hope at the Elland Road.
However, an automatic promotion spot, i.e., the top two spots, is still a far cry for Monk & Co. to deliver, for Newcastle United have solidified their position after beating Brighton & Hove Albion 1-2 away from home at the Falmer Stadium and also Huddersfield Town today, collecting 76 points from 35 games. Newcastle United are currently at the top of the league table.
Under the tutelage of Rafael Benitez, the Geordies have been in a fine nick and in all fairness, they do deserve to be clinching the silverware at the end of the season. This left the Seagulls second placed on the league table but with the fixtures Leeds United and Brighton & Hove Albion, a prudent man must be backing the latter.
However, then came the 3-0 bashing that Brighton took at the hands of Nottingham Forest. That is 2 consecutive defeats for the Seagulls and this could very well signal the start of a downward spiral for Brighton.
Speaking of prominent clubs who could give Leeds and Brighton a run for the money, Monk has to undergo baptisms of fire because they have games lined up against Fulham, Brighton Albion, Reading, Newcastle United and Norwich City, whereas Chris Hughton’s outfit have to entertain Leeds, Derby County and the Canaries and a lead of 7 points puts the ball in Hughton’s court. A good start might have sufficed, but frankly speaking, it looks like the Seagulls might just keep themselves in the top two spots at the end of the season. However, all bets are off now that Brighton lost so badly today against Nottingham Forest.
