Major Sheffield United slip hands Leeds United earlier potential automatic promotion date — YEP 12/4/25
By Joe Donnohue
Leeds United's Championship promotion rivals Sheffield
United were beaten at Plymouth Argyle on Saturday lunchtime.
Leeds moved five clear of third place on Saturday afternoon
with victory over Preston North End at Elland Road. The Whites' two early
goals, either side of Kaine Kesler-Hayden's equaliser, ensured Leeds went back
to the top of the Championship table.
However, it was at Home Park where the most consequential
game of the Championship promotion race played out. Chris Wilder's Blades went
a goal up courtesy of Jesurun Rak-Sakyi's curling opener but conceded two late
goals to relinquish their grip on the game, slipping five points behind Leeds
and Burnley with just four games of the campaign remaining.
When could Leeds be promoted?
It means Sheffield United's maximum final point tally this
season is 95, seven more than Leeds currently have. Should Leeds win each of
their next three fixtures, the team will be automatically promoted before the
final day at Plymouth on May 3. Due to the Whites' superior goal difference,
two wins and a draw will also likely be enough to guarantee Leeds' place in the
Premier League next season.
Naturally, if Sheffield United slip up further, Leeds'
possible promotion date will be brought forward once more.
The Blades still have Burnley to play on Easter Monday,
hours after Leeds host Stoke City at Elland Road which could prove a decisive
afternoon in the automatic promotion race.