Leeds United required a strong start to bolster their chances of automatic promotion, but Daniel Farke’s side appeared timid against Southampton, raising concerns.
By the time Leeds kicked off on Saturday, their fate in the Championship promotion race was already sealed, as victory wouldn’t have secured promotion regardless. However, heading into the playoffs, Leeds’ recent form has been less than ideal, with one win and four losses in their last six games, leaving them struggling to find any positives from recent months.
Norwich City will feel confident heading into the semi-final, as the pressure is largely off them after Leeds spent much of 2024 looking poised for automatic promotion. Despite the disappointing defeat to Southampton on the final day, Leeds found a small positive as Connor Roberts made a brief appearance in the last 12 minutes at Elland Road.
Connor Roberts provides Leeds with a vital lift ahead of the playoffs.
Roberts missed the wins against Middlesbrough and the loss to Queens Park Rangers due to an injury sustained in the Blackburn defeat. Since joining Leeds on loan in January for £2.5 million, he has struggled to establish himself, with Archie Gray often preferred at right-back. Roberts has only played a full 90 minutes once in the Championship.
However, his performance against Blackburn before his substitution was excellent, and Leeds struggled defensively in his absence, conceding 10 goals before his return to the pitch at the weekend.
Daniel Farke requires his top performers to deliver once more.
Unfortunately, Gray has appeared fatigued as the season progresses, and Sam Byram has arguably performed better on the left flank since his return to the club.
Roberts, an experienced international right-back who has played alongside Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu, has seen more action in the Premier League than in the Championship this season.
With Roberts back in contention, Leeds could receive a significant boost ahead of their upcoming fixture against Norwich. If Leeds rediscover their peak form, Farke’s side could be in a strong position to secure promotion to the Premier League next season, alongside Leicester City and Ipswich Town.