Sky Sports pundit makes claim involving Leeds United, Burnley, and Sheffield United to get ‘over the line’

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Sheffield United and Leeds United stumbled this weekend, allowing Burnley to take charge of the Championship’s promotion picture.

The automatic promotion race continues to twist and turn and there are sure to be more of those to come during the final six games of the campaign. Leeds drew away to Luton Town and Sheffield United lost at Oxford United to shake things up yet again.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	BurnleyBurnley	40	23	15	2	55	12	43	84
2	Sheff UtdSheffield Utd	40	26	7	7	56	30	26	83
3	LeedsLeeds	40	23	13	4	79	28	51	82
4	SunderlandSunderland	40	21	12	7	57	37	20	75
5	MiddlesbroughMiddlesbrough	40	17	9	14	61	49	12	60

All three sides ended the day in different positions to how they started it. That includes Leeds dropping out of the Championship’s top two and into third for the first time since matchday 18 back in November. Burnley won the hardest game on paper via a trip to Coventry City.

Experts have outlined that the Clarets are playing their best football of the season, while others believe the top three’s goalkeepers are the difference between one another. Nothing has been decided yet but this weekend could be decisive come the 4th of May.

• READ MORE: Leeds United dig made as Sheffield United told why they are in ‘driving seat’ for Championship title

Jobi McAnuff makes Leeds United claim amid Burnley and Sheffield United praise

Blades fans weren’t happy with the defeat to Oxford United, but Leeds’ demise continues as they crumble under the pressure. They head to Middlesbrough next with a squad and manager who are far from their scintillating best at the current moment.

Things are still uncertain in the race for promotion and many experts expect things to go to the wire at the top. There are six games remaining and the Blades and Burnley play one another on matchday 44 as well, which could also prove to be pivotal if Leeds improve soon.

Speaking on Sky Sports, their punditry team discussed the differences between the sides ahead of the run-in. David Prutton asked: “Is there a question perhaps, Jobi, of the strength in depth of Leeds?

“They brought on Bamford, Wöber, and Schmidt — who have got a combined 500 minutes between them in the Championship. On the bench today for Sheffield United — Kieffer Moore, Callum O’Hare, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi and Tom Cannon.”

Jobi McAnuff said: “At this particular point, you have to question that. Of course you do, because where are your game changers? Who’s going to come on and make that particular impact. Brenden Aaronson hasn’t scored enough goals this year or created too much.

“I think that will be the big question going into this run of games coming up here. Middlesbrough, a really tough one. Their recent form has been really, really good of late.

“You look at Oxford and Stoke fighting for their lives. Bristol City are going really, really well at the moment. For me, it’s going to be those home games that are going to be the big, big pressure given the expectation and the way things are going at the moment.

“When we watch Leeds, at this moment in time, I’m not quite sure what we are going to get. I see a Sheffield United go and perform and I see a Burnley perform. It’s really interesting seeing Scott Parker talk about that consistency and what gets you over the line when you’re in the stretch.

“They’ve all got good squads. They’ve all got top managers. It’s about handling that pressure at this stage of the season. At the moment, the other two seem to be handling a lot better than Leeds United.”

• READ MORE: Leeds United fans are all saying the same thing after Burnley flashpoint against Coventry City

What Opta’s supercomputer thinks after matchday 40 in the Championship

Since Leeds’ win at Bramall Lane, they have taken just seven points from the six games in that time. Despite the Blades’ defeat to Oxford, they have 13 in the same period.

Burnley, however, have 16 points in that time frame. Their draw to West Brom is the only time they dropped points in the last six to claim top spot.

That now means Opta’s model believes they have the greatest chance of automatic promotion of any kind at 76.54%, while Sheffield United are now the least likely at 55.28%, But Leeds have also taken a hit this weekend with 67.84%

Of course, nothing is decided on that front. However, it highlights Leeds’ struggles of late. They have slid down the table and must arrest that fast. The zip and inevitability of their performances is not there like it was in that clash at Bramall Lane.