Manchester United legend Roy Keane fires warning as Ian Wright makes alarming Leeds United promotion prediction

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Leeds United are just eight points away from promotion, although seven is likely to be enough for them to get over the line with their superior goal difference over Sheffield United.

The Whites had shown signs of falling apart again after one win in six, but back-to-back victories at a time Sheffield United have lost every game in a three-game week has seen them reclaim top spot.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	LeedsLeeds	42	25	13	4	82	29	53	88
2	BurnleyBurnley	42	24	16	2	57	13	44	88
3	Sheff UtdSheffield Utd	42	26	7	9	57	33	24	83
4	SunderlandSunderland	42	21	13	8	57	38	19	76
5	Bristol CityBristol City	42	16	16	10	54	45	9	64

It’s not over yet but it doesn’t appear that the race will go to final day. It could be wrapped up this weekend if results go Leeds and Burnley’s way. Many neutrals and pundits believe it is all but over, while others can still see ‘glaring problems’ in Leeds’ performances.

Getting Dan James involved with Willy Gnonto could be important in the final four games but Leeds are in an extremely strong position to gain automatic promotion and avoid a play-off campaign in a competitive Championship.

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Roy Keane’s verdict on Leeds and promotion to the Premier League

Financially, promotion is incredibly important for any club. But especially for a Leeds team who have spent eye watering sums on agent fees, and promotion will unlock new doors for Daniel Farke and co. with the Premier League money available.

The positivity has been evident of late, especially from Sky Sports’ EFL pundits. However, the Premier League pundits are not as sure about their chances once they return to the league.

Speaking via The Overlap, Gary Neville said: “For the second season in a row, the three promoted teams will be relegated. Should we be worried?

Ian Wright responded: “Absolutely worried.”

Keane said: “And it’s not the fact they’ve gone down with such low points . Look at victories, goals for, goals against. Same last year.

“These team are down with how many games to go? Southampton are down.”

Wright added: “If that happens next season again, Gary, then I think the Premier League seriously have to look at it.”

Keane continued: “The teams that come up have to make a better effort. I know, of course, it’s going to be hard to stay up. I was there with Sunderland — of course, it’s going to be hard.

“I think a lot of them are overplaying. Southampton, certainly, at the start of the season were caught out.

“You can be harder to beat! Be harder to beat!”

We have outlined the gap between the Premier League and Championship recently, and Neville has already sent a warning to promoted clubs as well, he added: “There’s a football question.

“But there is also the financial disparity of what’s basically happening between the Championship and the Premier League. We’ve talked about it for years.”

Keane shook his head, stating: “But to be so may points behind.”

Wright said: “But there’s 17 teams that’s in who will continually be getting money. Because these three teams are coming in — whether it’s Leeds, Sheffield United, whoever it is, Burnley — and then they go again.

“These 17 teams are continually getting stronger. Like the middle teams, look where [Aston] Villa are now, look at Brighton, look at Fulham having a go, Brentford, Bournemouth.

“All of these teams are getting so much better than those coming up.”

• READ MORE: Leeds United supporters will not be pleased with Daniel Farke after latest Largie Ramazani verdict

Leeds are the best team in the Championship, here’s why

Of course, there is more to consider in the Premier League than the Championship and dominant teams don’t always translate when moving up a level, but the underlying data suggests Leeds are the likeliest to survive.