Daniel Farke, Gabby Agbonlahor
(Credit: Imago/talkSPORT on YouTube)
Dakir Thanveer
Fri 28 March 2025 17:40, UK
Gabby Agbonlahor is not convinced of Leeds United’s promotion credibility despite their position at the top of the Championship table.
Leeds are in the driving seat to earn automatic promotion to the Premier League as they are first in the Championship with eight games left to play.
However, their recent run of form, which saw them pick up two wins in their last five games, has allowed Sheffield United to go level with them and Burnley to reduce the gap to just two points.
Daniel Farke and Co. are, thus, facing the risk of missing out on automatic promotion if they do not avoid dropping points cheaply between now and the end of the season.
Farke will be determined to avoid last season’s disappointment at Leeds. (Credit: Imago)
Agbonlahor makes Leeds promotion prediction
As Leeds gear up for the final stretch of the season, Agbonlahor has predicted that they will miss out on a top-two finish in the Championship.
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The former Aston Villa captain also suggested that the Elland Road outfit could fail to earn promotion even via the playoffs.
Team Matches Wins Draws Losses Goal Difference Points
1. Leeds 38 23 11 4 51 80
2. Sheffield United 38 25 7 6 25 80
2. Burnley 38 21 15 2 41 78
Championship table between 1st and 3rd as of 28 March.
Asked if Leeds will go up, Agbonlahor said on talkSPORT (28 March, 4:44 pm): “I don’t think they will, I think Leeds will miss out on the top two, I really do.”
Ale Oladipo was evidently stunned by the claim and pointed out that the West Yorkshire outfit would want to avoid participating in the playoffs at all costs.
“Wow! They don’t want the playoffs”, the host said.
However, Agbonlahor is convinced that Leeds will throw away their promotion chances and also revealed that the former Whites players he has talked to are not confident either.
He said: “Yes, but this is what they do.
“You speak to ex-Leeds players and Leeds fans, they knew they weren’t going to go up comfortably.
“If they are going to go up, they are going to make it a final at Wembley, where [it goes into] extra-time [and] penalties. That’s how Leeds will go up if they do.
“I just think Sheffield United, for me, will definitely go up, and I feel like Burnley.
“I feel like Leeds will throw it away.”
Elland Road
Leeds hope to play in the Premier League next season. (Credit: Imago)
Farke keen to avoid Elland Road disappointment
As Oladipo said, Leeds will be determined to avoid participating in the playoffs as they would want to avoid a repeat of last season.
The Whites suffered a severe blow after Adam Armstrong gave Southampton a 1-0 victory in the playoff final at Wembley last season.
Farke has earned a reputation as a promotion specialist, having led Norwich to the Premier League twice, but it remains to be seen if he can do the same with Leeds this year.
Questions will surely be asked of him if they do not earn an automatic promotion.
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