Good Morning. It's Wednesday 24th April, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Two horse race for second spotLeicester City have all but cemented their place back in the top flight after annihilating sorry Southampton 5-0, last night at the King Power Stadium. A win at Preston on Monday will be enough see see the Foxes bounce back to the Premier League at the first attempt, and although they face punishment for breaching FFP regulations, the riches on offer make any smack on the wrist well worth while.
Southampton were pitiful and could not even muster a shot on target all evening. If they have already resigned themselves for the play-offs, that could be good news for Leeds, who play them on the last game of the season!
Do Leeds have the easier run-in?The mist has cleared, and realistically, it's Leeds or Ipswich Town for the coveted second spot. Only a point separates the two teams, and although the Tractor Boys have a game in hand, Leeds superior goal difference may realistically play a big part in who goes up.
Kieran McKenna's side face a more difficult fixture list, having to go to Hull and Coventry City before ending their campaign at home against relegation threatened Huddersfield Town. If the Terriers can overcome Birmingham City (who failed to beat Rotherham Utd last weekend), then survival is very much in their hands!
Before the Season finale against Southampton, Leeds face a trip to Loftus Road, who, after beating Preston at the weekend, have dragged themselves 4 points clear of the drop zone. Anything baring a miracle suggests the West London outfit are now safe, and have little to play for!
Leeds favourites for automatic promotionDespite Ipswich Town having a game in hand over the Whites, Bet365 place Leeds firm favourites for second spot. With Southampton bowing out of the automatic promotion race, the betting giants have slashed the odds of a top two finish to 8/13, which given their recent form seems very strange!
They may have picked up three points at Boro on Monday evening, but certainly rode their luck at times. Importantly, during the trip to Teeside, we saw Summerville and Rutter return to form. Their creative influence will be imperative over the next 180 minutes. Ipswich, who are a point behind Leeds are 'EVENS'.
