Leeds are now set to do something that only Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea have done in Football League history.
Daniel Farke’s side are on the brink of entering the Championship play-offs, barring a shock result between Ipswich and Huddersfield on Saturday.
The Tractor Boys just need a point against the already-relegated Terriers at Portman Road to secure automatic promotion, and shove Leeds into the lottery that is the Championship play-offs.
If all goes as expected, Leeds will become just the second side in Football League history to do one thing…
Leeds set to do something only Jose Mourinho’s 2013/14 Chelsea side have done in Football League history
Well, this is an incredible statistic.
If Leeds do end up having to fight it out in the Championship play-offs, they will become just the second side in Football League history to have recorded a league double over the division’s top two that season, but still finish third.
That is according to Jonny Cooper of Opta.
Leeds results against Leicester and Ipswich
- Ipswich 3-4 Leeds
- Leeds 4-0 Ipswich
- Leicester 0-1 Leeds
- Leeds 3-1 Leicester
It is – of course – not the piece of history Leeds will hope to make on Saturday, with the more optimistic supporters at Elland Road still praying for a shock result at Portman Road to occur.
Nevertheless, if Ipswich do get the job done, then this statistic is something Farke can use to motivate his players and instil confidence heading into the Championship play-offs.
Daniel Farke can do it
While Farke has never achieved promotion via the Championship play-offs before, the German does know what it takes to get out of England’s second tier.
The 47-year-old guided Norwich to the Championship title in the 2018/19 season as well as the 2020/21 campaign, so he should feel capable of pushing his Leeds side over the line.
Of course – having said that – this route to promotion can often be a lottery with a shock winner going all the way, so Leeds must not get complacent.
Hopefully, Farke’s men can reign supreme. After all, if you can navigate the Championship play-offs and achieve glory at Wembley, it is by far the best way to get promoted.