Former Aston Villa and Stoke City attacker Lee Hendrie has predicted that West Bromwich Albion and Leeds United will finish within the top two in the Championship standings this season.
“The top two that are there (at the moment), I’ve said this all along, you know Leeds and West Brom have been by far the best, I even said it as far back as Christmas that I can’t see anyone getting past them” said Hendrie as quoted by Football League World.
“The teams behind just haven’t capitalised on their slips ups, you know Brentford and then Fulham could’ve but the two of the top should sustain those two promotion spots.”
Leeds went to the top of the English second-tier standings last weekend following a 2-0 win over Huddersfield Town.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side took full advantage of a slip-up by West Brom, who drew 0-0 with Swansea City. As things stand, Leeds have a one-point advantage over the Baggies.
West Brom have a six-point advantage over third place Fulham.
There has been a gulf in class between the standards of football played by Leeds and the Baggies compared to the rest of the pack so far this season.
Leeds slipped up at the last minute last season but it will be surprising if they do not manage to win promotion from this position and at this time in the campaign.
The Elland Road outfit should be able to win promotion to the top-flight for the first time since 2004.
Leeds will however face a strong test from the Baggies in the race to win the Championship title this season and that could go down to the wire.
Based on current form, Bielsa’s side will be the favourites to lift the title this season.
They have won their past five consecutive Championship games. By contrast, West Brom have won two out of their last five Championship games, losing one and drawing two.
This may finally be Leeds season.
