Leeds United became a focal point of discussion on talkSPORT as they prepare to return to Championship action this Saturday.
With the final international break of the season now behind them, Leeds are set to face Swansea at Elland Road on March 29.
Daniel Farke and his squad aim to reclaim their spot at the top of the Championship table following Sheffield United’s 3-1 victory over Coventry City at Bramall Lane on Friday, March 28.
With Burnley also in close pursuit, Leeds must improve their recent form—having dropped seven points in their last four matches—if they hope to secure automatic promotion to the Premier League.
Leeds must avoid costly draws
As the promotion race enters its decisive phase, Tony Cascarino emphasized that Leeds, Sheffield United, and Burnley cannot afford anything less than victories in their remaining fixtures.
The talkSPORT pundit asserted that even a draw in away matches could be detrimental to their top-two ambitions.
“The top three now are only about wins,” Cascarino stated on talkSPORT (March 29, 6:38 am).
“All three—Burnley, Leeds, and Sheffield United—draws are off the table.
“It won’t help them in their push for automatic promotion because they’re playing at a level above everyone else right now.
“It’s about winning every game. If any of them draw away, they’re dropping two points.
“But they all have the playoffs, don’t they? They’re all in the playoffs.”
Championship Table (as of March 28)
Natalie Sawyer responded by stressing how devastating it would be for any of the three clubs to miss out on automatic promotion.
“Two points could be very costly,” Sawyer remarked.
“Whoever misses out, it’s going to be horrendous.”
Cascarino was quick to reference Leeds’ heartbreak last season, when they amassed 90 points but failed to secure automatic promotion, ultimately losing in the playoff final.
“Well, last year, Leeds United had 90 points and still didn’t make it; they ended up in the playoffs,” he said.
Farke focused on avoiding a repeat of last season
The painful memories of last year’s late-season collapse will surely be on the minds of Leeds fans as the final stretch approaches.
Not only did the Whites squander their automatic promotion hopes by losing three of their last four matches, but they also suffered a 1-0 defeat to Southampton in the playoff final at Wembley.
Determined to prevent history from repeating itself, Farke has his sights firmly set on a top-two finish.
Whether the German manager can guide Leeds back to the Premier League—just as he did twice with Norwich—remains to be seen.
‘Horrendous’ – talkSPORT host reacts to what Tony Cascarino said about Leeds live on air
