OPINION
For most of the season, it felt as if promotion was Leeds United’s for the taking.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side started the campaign at a canter, and seemed for all the world to be marching towards a long-awaited return to the Premier League.
Things have hit the buffers in recent times, however, and a mini-capitulation over Easter leaves them facing the lottery of a play-off campaign if they are to finally make it back to the promised land.
On paper, having finished third and with the talent they have at their disposal, you would have to say that United are the favourites. Beat Derby County, as they have already this season, and they are in a Wembley final in which anything can happen.
The issue Leeds have, however, is one of momentum. That dire Easter period was backed up with a controversial draw against Aston Villa and a humiliating loss to Ipswich Town on the final day.
In short, Leeds are playing badly.
And their slump has not gone unnoticed.
Writing in a column for the Daily Mail, Peter Crouch hit the nail on the head.
He said: “You’d think Leeds would go up, but I think they have run out of steam at the worst possible moment.”
This is the major concern that all United fans will have right now.
Bielsa’s team looks like it is out there on its knees, and if there is one point in the season during which you have to stand up and be counted it’s the play-offs.
Coming third matters for little when you’re playing like you finished 13th.
Crouch’s comments are ominous, and here’s just hoping that United can turn things around, starting against Derby on Saturday.