Leeds United close in on record-breaking Reading FC feat, it’s stood for 19 years

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Leeds United are already promoted but they thumped Bristol City at Elland Road to end their home campaign in style and spark wild celebrations.

Leeds are ‘miles’ better than Burnley in the eyes of some and they made that clear against the fifth-placed team in the division thanks to Ao Tanaka, Willy Gnonto, and a Largie Ramazani brace as a substitute to really show the difference in class to Bristol City.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	LeedsLeeds	45	28	13	4	93	29	64	97
2	BurnleyBurnley	45	27	16	2	66	15	51	97
3	Sheff UtdSheffield Utd	45	28	7	10	62	35	27	89
4	SunderlandSunderland	45	21	13	11	58	43	15	76
5	Bristol CityBristol City	45	17	16	12	57	53	4	67
6	CoventryCoventry	45	19	9	17	62	58	4	66
7	MillwallMillwall	45	18	12	15	46	46	0	66
8	BlackburnBlackburn	45	19	8	18	52	47	5	65
9	MiddlesbroughMiddlesbrough	45	18	10	17	64	54	10	64

Bristol City were perhaps overawed by the atmosphere in West Yorkshire but Daniel Farke’s side put in the performance of champions. They are not far off that coming to fruition now, knowing a win against Plymouth Argyle will secure them their second Championship title in five years.

They can now dream about their Premier League return for next season and individuals like Tanaka and Joel Piroe are showing their Premier League class currently. Though many are frustrated that Largie Ramazani has not been utilised more frequently.

• READ MORE: Leeds United should be ‘intrigued’ by Southampton example with Daniel Farke’s future called into question

Leeds can break Reading FC record against Plymouth Argyle

Sam Parkin predicted a tight game but it was anything but. Liam Manning admitted his side were ‘soft’ and his side weren’t able to overcome a ‘terrible’ record against Leeds and they are now in need of points on final day to secure their top six berth.

The 4-0 thumping was their second hammering in a week at Elland Road after six goals against Stoke City last Monday, making it 10 goals in two games to end their home campaign. It was Leeds’ fifth win of the season by four-or-more goals as well and they extended a 46-year record against their visitors.

Leeds have now scored 93 goals, which is a whopping 26 more than the second-highest in Norwich City. Not only that, but their goal difference of +64 is more than 19 teams have scored in total this season, with Norwich, Burnley, and Middlesbrough the only sides with 64+ this season.

Leeds can get to 100 points with Burnley to break records, but a win by three goals or more against an already relegated Plymouth can also secure another record. That’s because the best goal difference in a Championship season since 2004 is Reading’s 106-point team’s +67 figure.

If Leeds continue playing the way they are without fear and full of freedom and creativity, then you wouldn’t bet against them racking up another three, four, five goals or more to either hold that record outright or match Reading’s feat at least.

Leeds will also finish the season with the club’s highest goal difference in a single league season in the club’s history in the process. The previous best was +49 set in 1927/1928, and they are certain to smash that irrespective of what happens against Plymouth.

• READ MORE: Forget Ao Tanaka, another Leeds United star has been a revelation in end-of-season run-in

Opta predict Leeds’ title chance against Burnley

Leeds can be excited about what is to come, given the quality and frequency of their goals. They could yet hit close to 100 goals and break Championship records with 100 points as well.

The Premier League can be unforgiving and Paul Merson has offered his advice to them ahead of it but their focus remains the Championship title — and it is very much in their hands.

A win over Plymouth could break Reading’s record and take them to seventh in the all-time list of highest points totals ever on route to the riches of the Premier League.

Opta believe Leeds have a 70.32% chance of winning the title and getting to 100 points, meaning the question now is whether they will do it by a big enough margin if Leeds get over the line.