Patrick Bamford outlines ‘ideal scenario’ for Leeds United promotion ahead of Oxford United trip

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Leeds United are just eight points away from promotion mathematically, although that number could drop with Burnley and Sheffield United facing one another on Monday.

Leeds can ‘get over the line’ this weekend if results go their way over Easter Weekend.  Leeds can still break Championship points records this season if they win every remaining game as well, starting with Oxford United this evening.

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
6	CoventryCoventry	42	18	9	15	59	54	5	63
7	West BromWest Brom	42	14	18	10	51	39	12	60
8	MiddlesbroughMiddlesbrough	42	17	9	16	61	51	10	60

Some experts are hoping that the race will go to the final day of the season but there is a five-point cushion ahead of the final four games of the run-in. After signs of Leeds falling apart, it is the Blades who have capitulated as we approach the final hurdles.

Other Championship analysts believe there are still ‘glaring problems’ for Leeds but two wins in a row against Preston North End and Middlesbrough have been a well-timed shot in the arm for Daniel Farke’s men.

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Ethan Ampadu and Patrick Bamford preview Leeds’ Easter Weekend

Speaking on Sky Sports, Ethan Ampadu and Patrick Bamford spoke to Sky Sports ahead of this huge Easter Weekend round of fixtures for the Whites. Tim Thornton asked: “Sum up the emotions, how are you both feeling?”

Ampadu said: “Yeah, pretty good. I can say this personally and I can say it for the team, we are excited for what could be the end of the season.

“I don’t want to be cliche, but the next focus is Oxford. That is all that we are thinking about.”

Thornton then asked: “You’ve been there before with Leeds United. Does it feel different this time?”

Bamford added: “It feels slightly different. Obviously, we finished that season without fans. The ideal scenario would be to do it in front of the fans this time.

“I’ve got to say, as a group, we’ve stayed pretty levelheaded through it all. Even when there’s been a few ups and downs. I know the outside noise sometimes can seem kind of doomy and gloomy.

“But we’ve kept quite level and that’s kind of helped us.”

Thornton: “This is such an emotional football club, isn’t it? The highs can be very high and the lows can be very low. How do you deal with that?”

Ampadu responded: “I think Pat’s said it then — we’re levelheaded. I think the main thing is that we know it’s not done. When it can be doomy and gloomy, we remember what has got us into this situation. Through the low times, we remember what we can do as a team.”

Thornton: “How much are you focusing on what other teams are doing?”

Ampadu said: “This isn’t just an easy get out, but it’s just genuinely that we’re focusing on ourselves. We’ve got our own targets for this year. We know that in the building — players and staff — so, that’s all we’re focusing on.”

Finally, Thornton asked: This could be a defining moment for both of you at Leeds United and it could happen this weekend potentially. Are you thinking about that?

Ampadu concluded: “Maybe it’s natural to. Human nature can creep in. But one thing we do so well as a squad throughout the year — as Pat touched on earlier — is we are levelheaded.

“So, no matter what the result may be — obviously, we all know what we want it to be — no matter what it may be, we’re just focused on the result and the game.

“I don’t want to sound cliche but it’s just something we’ve been good at all year.”

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Should Patrick Bamford be handed a new contract at Leeds?

Leeds have been backed by experts to see off Oxford, but Joel Piroe is likely to continue starting over Bamford in attack. The 31-year-old has just a year left on his contract at Elland Road.

Bamford turns 32 this September and he has started just one cup game all season long. He is also thought to be one of the highest earners at the club.

Helping them gain another promotion over the next four regular season games would be the perfect way to end his career in West Yorkshire, and a parting of ways ought to be on the cards this summer — in spite of how important his presence is in the dressing room and his vital experience.

Bamford cannot stay fit, even if he has recently showed glimpses of the same player he once was for Leeds. His injury record is too much to ignore. The ability to act as a focal point will still be useful between now and the end of 2024/25, though.