Burnley drop points to gift Leeds United huge opportunity in Championship promotion race — Leeds Live 15/2/25

Leeds United can now take a bigger step towards promotion with a win vs Sunderland

Burnley missed the chance to move to within two points of leaders Leeds United at the top of the Championship after drawing 0-0 with Preston North End this afternoon.

The result means United can go seven points clear of the play-offs with a win over fourth-placed Sunderland on Monday evening, with 13 games left to play.

The stalemate signals Burnley’s 11th straight league clean sheet, having not conceded in 1,000 minutes. However, they have failed to net in six of those games, including in January’s home clash with Leeds. Today's result means they stay third on 65 points, four points behind Leeds.

Today's match at Deepdale was shrouded in controversy in the second half when the game was stopped after Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri complained about something said to him by Preston attacker Milutin Osmajic. Notes were taken down but there was no further action.

Meanwhile, Sheffield United could overtake Leeds into top spot should they defeat Luton Town this afternoon, but will have played a game more than the Whites. The Blades next welcome Leeds to Bramall Lane a week on Monday in a crunch promotion clash.

After that clash, Leeds will have played each of their three automatic promotion rivals both home and away. Burnley will host Sheffield Wednesday on Friday to try and play catch-up.

Leeds have not lost in the Championship since November, meaning they are unbeaten in 14 league games. They have not conceded in the competition for five weeks, having kept six straight clean sheets.

As a result, they are painted as the favourites for promotion. Manager Daniel Farke recently addressed his thoughts on United being bestowed that tag.

“This is the expectation. I haven't signed a contract to stay in this league in the next four years," he said.

"Together in the last 20 years we were not able to celebrate promotion in front of supporters. We came pretty close last season but right now we have a great chance.

“If we are favourites or not, it doesn't impact the way I approach things. We try to develop [our players]. We don't buy success. We are in a good position.”