Currently second in the Championship table, Leeds United have a real chance of stealing a march on their rivals over the Christmas period with a much easier run of matches.
Leeds are in action on Boxing Day when the Whites take on Stoke City away from home. Another chance for Leeds to rid themselves of a growing trend away from home in which they fail to control matches.
Last season of course, Leeds lost to Stoke at the Bet365 Stadium when Patrick Bamford missed a penalty and Stoke went down the other end to score. But this season, Stoke are really struggling to play well.
Leeds then take on Derby County on December 29, before facing Blackburn at Elland Road on New Year’s Day. Hull is next on January 4th, and then after FA Cup duties, Sheffield Wednesday come to Leeds.
Mateo Joseph shares what Leeds must do to secure promotion
Sheffield United, Sunderland and Burnley’s next five games are a whole lot tougher. Each side faces the other two twice in the next five games, with Chris Wilder’s men taking on West Brom and then Watford.
Burnley face Middlesbrough and Blackburn away from home, while Sunderland have got to face Wilder and Scott Parker’s side. Leeds then, have a real chance to claim more points than their promotion rivals.
Speaking to Soccer Bible, Spain U21 striker Joseph shared the stance that the Leeds squad must have going into the Christmas period if they are to realise their dreams of returning to the Premier League.
“The Premier League is the best league in the world. But for now, it’s about taking things game by game, working hard, and staying patient. We’re pushing to get back there, and that’s what we’re focused on.
What Bafetimbi Gomis said about Leeds’ chances of promotion
The legendary French striker was in attendance at Elland Road on Saturday as Leeds took apart struggling Oxford United to win 4-0. Dan James, Jayden Bogle, Brenden Aaronson and Manor Solomon all scored.
Gomis was a guest of Josuha Guilavogui on the day and taking to Instagram after the big win, Gomis says he believes Leeds will get promoted “soon”. But Leeds still have it all to do between now and next May.
Stoke will represent the halfway stage and it is an excellent start, with Farke’s men boasting 45 points from 22 games. Do that again in the second half of the season, and surely they will finish in the top two.
