Leeds United lining up record-breaking promotion feat as Scott Parker asked for favour — Leeds Live 21/4/25
Monday could see one of Leeds United's most memorable days at Elland Road
Leeds United supporters are looking ahead to what might be
but Daniel Farke is attempting to keep his players grounded ahead of Monday.
Of course, everyone knows what is at stake - a Leeds win
coupled with anything but a win for Sheffield United against Burnley sees the
Whites promoted. To set up that scenario, Leeds must first complete their own
task.
The good news is that Leeds will likely celebrate promotion
at Elland Road with both of the two upcoming games at home. It would be the
first time United do this with supporters present in the stadium for 35 years,
with 2020’s triumph taking place during the Covid pandemic.
Monday’s opponents Stoke City are seven points above the
drop zone and may be feeling a touch more relaxed about life. United have not
lost a game at home in the league since September…
Sheffield United vs Burnley
Given Sheffield United’s 2-0 win over Cardiff City on
Friday, Leeds need a helping hand from Scott Parker’s Burnley if they are to
secure promotion on Easter Monday. The Clarets will be looking to clinch a top
two spot themselves, having gone unbeaten in 30 league matches.
Leeds kick off against Stoke at 3pm with the clash at Turf
Moor beginning at 5.30pm, meaning Whites fans will be running to the nearest
screen to follow the action. What the Leeds squad will do upon a win will be
kept under wraps but you can guarantee they will be watching the game as a
group.
If both Leeds and Sheffield United win, and the Blades go on
to beat Stoke themselves on Friday, Farke’s men can secure promotion with a
point against Bristol City thanks to their almighty goal difference. But no
Whites fan wants that scenario to unfold.
Record to break
In the backdrop of it all, Leeds have the chance to break
new Championship ground on Monday. The victory over Oxford United on Good
Friday meant United broke the 90-point barrier for the third time in their
history.
And a win against Stoke City will see them accumulate the
most points in a single season ever. Marcelo Bielsa’s side managed to tally 93
during the 2020 title-winning season. Three points against the Potters would
take them to 94.
Farke will go in the United history books if promotion is
secured. He might not be as popular as Bielsa, but he might be one who takes
them to a possible century in the final three games. These milestones are very
much on the back-burner, though. Only one thing truly matters.
Energy of players
To bring things back down to the more mundane for a moment,
there is something to be said on player fitness. The various injuries in the
squad has meant the team has hardly been rotated since Luton Town.
The main focus in this regard is the midfield, where Ao
Tanaka and Ilia Gruev are set to play their fourth straight match. With Pascal
Struijk going off against Luton, Ethan Ampadu has been required at the back.
And with Joe Rothwell not expected back until Bristol City
at home, there has been little other option than to play Tanaka and Gruev
throughout. Then there are the doubts over Daniel James’ fitness.
The winger looked markedly off the pace after coming on
against Oxford, having just come back from a hamstring injury, and Farke said
after full-time that he’s unsure whether he will be ready in time to start
against Stoke.