Leeds end of season run in

By Andy Baggott
April 4 2006

5 games to go, and Leeds’ chances of automatic promotion look slim-at best. With a 7 point gap, and only 5 games to go, Sheffield United look home and dry.

We have a tough run in, but our best hope seems to be the visit to Sheffield United. This week, we take on Plymouth, in a game we should win. The next two games are crucial. Champions Reading are the next visitors to Elland Road, in what is sure to be a tough test. Steve Coppells men have lost few games, but we need at least a draw from this one. The next game is the big one – away at the Blades. A win, and we would have a sniff of 2nd place. We then have our final home game against Crewe, who may well be down by then, before visiting Preston on the final day of the Season. Preston may be fighting for a play off berth, so not an easy finish. So what of our South Yorkshire rivals? A home game against Hull this weekend should be 3 points. They then travel to Cardiff, who are also fighting for a play off berth. After our visit, they are away to Luton, who will be mid table, with little to play for. Finally, they close with a visit to Crystal Palace – who may well be in the shake up for 2nd themselves. We also have to throw Watford and Palace into the equation, and you can see why our best chance would appear to have gone. Realistically, we need to win all 5 games. If Sheffield U lose points against us, we would still have to make up 4 points. Possibly 3 could go against Palace, and 2 away to Cardiff. A long shot? You’ve got top believe it, because if our forwards don’t find their shooting boots quickly, not only will 2nd place be out of sight, but so will any hope in the play offs.

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