Leeds lined up for Saturday lunchtime’s clash at Preston North End sat second but knowing that victory would take them top and two points clear of Sheffield United ahead of a 3pm hosting of Plymouth Argyle for the Blades. A win for Daniel Farke’s side would also have established a six-point cushion in the division’s automatic promotion spots ahead of away fixtures for Sunderland and Burnley at Swansea City and Norwich City respectively.
Leeds, though, had to settle for a 1-1 draw at Deepdale and Saturday afternoon’s results then featured wins for both Sheffield United and Sunderland in addition to upwardly mobile Blackburn Rovers who have now won six in a row.
It’s all left the Blades three points clear of second-placed Leeds who are now just two points ahead of third-placed Sunderland who would be joined on 40 points by Blackburn if Rovers win their game in hand. Burnley, though, can move third and just one point behind Farke’s Whites with a victory at Norwich on Sunday afternoon.
The weekend’s fresh twists have all led to a new predicted final table from the bookmakers and a fresh Whites verdict. Here, based on their latest odds, is the full new rundown.
21. 4th: Sunderland (play-offs)
Title odds: 20-1 (but as short as 17-2 with some firms). Photo: Stu Forster
23. 2nd: Sheffield United (automatic promotion as runners-up)
Title odds: 3-1 (in from 7-2 and now as short as 9-4 with some firms). Photo: Alex Livesey
24. 1st: Leeds United (promoted as champions)
Title odds: 4-6 (drifted slightly from 8-13 but still as short as 4-9 with some firms. Photo: Gary Oakley