Leeds United promotion race takes new twist after Sheffield United vs Sunderland amid double boost

Leeds United have been handed a boost in their hopes of securing automatic promotion from the Championship at the end of the season, with promotion rivals Sunderland dropping points.

The Whites went into the weekend at the top of the Championship table, but knew they would lose that place with second place Sheffield United and fourth placed Sunderland facing each other at Bramall Lane on Friday night.

Leeds were above the Blades on goal difference, while the Black cats are two point behind. It’s set up for what could be a crucial few weeks in the promotion race.

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Daniel Farke’s side would have been watching on during Friday night’s feisty game, that saw a missed Sunderland penalty and two red cards. It looked to be heading for a 0-0 draw, until Tom Davies scored for Sheffield United in the 83rd minute to earn them the three points.

While that moves them above Leeds and to the top of the Championship table, it also means that the Whites can open up a five-point gap on Sunderland should they beat Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park on Saturday (1.30pm kick-off). A win would also see them climb back above Sheffield United at the top of the table.

There was also another potential boost during the game with both teams seeing key players shown red cards. Sunderland’s Chris Mepham was shown a straight red for a denial of a goalscoring opportunity in the 40th minute.

But the numbers were evened up just seven minutes later when Sheffield United defender Harry Souttar was shown a second yellow card. Both teams therefore had to play the second half with 10 men.

Not only was the extra effort required, but the dismissals mean that both players will face a one-match suspension for the next league games. Sheffield United travel to West Brom next Sunday, while Sunderland host Stoke City on Saturday.