Championship fixture quirk that could significantly impact Leeds United's title bid

Is scoreboard pressure a thing in the Championship? We may find out after the international break.

Sunderland and Sheffield United currently occupy the automatic promotion places. The two clubs have garnered 31 points (33 in the Blades' case but they kicked off the season with a minus two deficit) from 15 matches.

Third-placed Leeds United remain hot on their heels after securing a 2-0 win over struggling Queens Park Rangers last time out. Daniel Farke's troops remain the hot favourites with the bookmakers to gain promotion.

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But Sunderland and Sheffield United have an opportunity crank up the pressure on the Whites next weekend. The Black Cats go to high-flying Millwall while the Blades travel to Coventry City. Both Sunderland and Sheffield United play 24 hours earlier than United, who face a tricky televised trip to Swansea City on Sunday. Farke's side will be hoping Millwall and managerless Coventry can do them a big favour in the battle to secure a top-two finish.

Leaders Sunderland and Sheffield United also play first the following midweek, with the Black Cats welcoming West Bromwich Albion to the Stadium of Light while the Blades host Oxford United on Tuesday, November 26. Twenty four hours later, the Whites lock horns with Luton Town at Elland Road.

Leeds will also be keeping a close eye on events in South Yorkshire on Friday, November 29, as Sheffield United entertain Sunderland in front of the Sky cameras. Somebody is going to drop points and the Whites will head to Blackburn Rovers the following day looking to make up ground on their rivals. This period will test the mental strength of United's squad in their pursuit for automatic promotion.

Sunderland's next three matches

Millwall (A) - November 23

West Brom (H) - November 26 (8pm)

Sheffield United (A) - November 29 (8:00pm)

Sheffield United

Coventry City (A) - November 23 (12:30pm)

Oxford United (H) - November 26 (7:45pm)

Sunderland (H) - November 29 (8:00pm)

Leeds United

Swansea City (A) - November 24

Luton Town (H) - November 27

Blackburn Rovers (A) - November 30 (1:30pm)