Dominic Matteo says Leeds United must aim for automatic promotion

Follow us on Google Discover

The former Elland Road star believes they will kick themselves if they fail to make the top two.

Former Leeds United defender Dominic Matteo has been discussing the club’s automatic promotion hopes. The Scot, who spent four years at Elland Road, was speaking to talkSPORT when he stated his belief that Leeds could move into automatic promotion contention – should Brighton or Newcastle United have a dip in form.

He stated:

“I think if at the start of the season if you’d asked any Leeds fan then they would have bitten your hand off for the playoffs.

Alan Smith celebrates Dominic Matteo’s goal against AC Milan

“But now, in and around that mix, and I’ve been there myself with Stoke when you’re in and around second, third, and you’re in those positions, you want to get automatic because no one likes the playoffs.

“It’s just another good opportunity and I think it will be a missed opportunity for the football club if we don’t do it this year.

“Brighton and Newcastle are the obvious two, but if one of those were to slip up then, looking at the teams behind, I’d put Leeds as the favourites out of them.”

Leeds have surpassed expectations in what has been an excellent campaign so far. They have improved immensely as the season has gone on and ahead of tonight’s fixture against Nottingham Forest currently sit fifth in the Championship, five points clear of Derby County in seventh.

If they can pick up a win against Forest tonight then Leeds will move to third in the table, just seven points behind Newcastle United in second.

Leeds’ Chris Wood celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates

At the start of the season only the most optimistic of Leeds fans felt that the club could have a run at the play-offs but now those fans are the same ones dreaming of a potential top two finish.

Leeds suffered a setback in their last outing, as they were defeated 3-2 by Barnsley. But getting back to winning ways tonight could see them back on the promotion trail.