Sky Sports pundits Paul Dickov and Curtis Davies have been left raving over different things as they both tip Leeds United to seal the Championship title this season.
The Whites climbed back up ahead of Norwich City to top the pile with victory against Reading on Tuesday night, the Canaries needing just one point in their home tie against Hull on Wednesday to return to the summit.
However, despite potentially heading into the clash against third placed Sheffield United in second rather than first, both Dickov and Davies believe it will be Marcelo Bielsa’s side lifting the trophy, highlighting two different aspects which they believe will play their role.
Dickov told Sky Sports’ The Debate (12/03, 22:25): “If I had to pick one out of the three to go up as Champions it would be Leeds. I played there for a very short time towards the end of my career and the fans at Elland Road, it’s full and buzzing, they can really make a difference.”
Davies echoed his fellow pundit’s verdict, saying: “I’ve watched Norwich and Norwich are the last minute specialists… but then I watch Leeds and what Leeds done to West Brom recently, from the first minute they pressed them, they got their goal and from there they were just phenomenal.
“If Leeds play anything like their potential, I can’t see anyone beating Leeds to the top of the table.”
Opinion
Home games will be absolutely huge for Leeds between now and the end of the season and Dickov is absolutely right in highlighting just how much of an impact – both positive and negative – the Elland Road faithful will have on their side’s performances when welcoming away sides to their ground. However, it is Davies’ statement about the potential they possess which the Whites need to heed. On their day, no one in the Championship looks like coming close to the quality Leeds possess but there have been a number of times where they have let standards – and as a result, points – slip. They have got to consistently be at the very top of their game if they want to keep pressure on Norwich, for the Canaries also have a bad game in them and Leeds must pounce if and when they falter. Play like they did against West Brom and in the first half versus Reading and promotion is almost certain – the Championship title too most likely.