Leeds United take on Sheffield Wednesday this weekend.
Sheffield Wednesday manager Carlos Carvalhal (L) shakes the hand of Leeds United manager Garry Monk
Pundit Andy Hinchcliffe has told Sky Sports that it’s very important for Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday to go for the win when they meet on Saturday afternoon.
We’re now into the final third of the Championship season, with teams looking for one final push to put themselves in the mix for promotion to the Premier League.
Newcastle and Brighton lead the way in the automatic promotion places, whilst Huddersfield Town, Reading, Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday look likely to take play-off spots, with Fulham six points off the top six.
Two of the top six meet this weekend though, as Leeds host Sheffield Wednesday at Elland Road, with a victory all but sealing a place in the play-offs.
Leeds have been patchy of late, winning three, losing two and drawing one of their last six games, whilst a shock FA Cup exit at the hands of Sutton United has also given manager Garry Monk plenty to think about.
Meanwhile, Wednesday had won four games in a row before a shock 2-1 home defeat against Brentford in midweek, meaning that Fulham are still breathing down their neck.
Ahead of Saturday’s Yorkshire derby between the two promotion-chasing sides, pundit and former Wednesday defender Andy Hinchcliffe has offered his view on the game to Sky Sports.
Andy Hinchcliffe
Hinchcliffe suggested that whilst he though Wednesday could go on a real run of form, they will now have to settle for a play-off place – and called on both teams to go for the win, as a victory would allow either side to plan for the play-offs.
“I thought Wednesday could put a run together with the squad they assembled under Carlos Carvalhal,” said Hinchcliffe. “But after losing to Brentford, they probably have to realise it’s going to be about getting promoted through the play-offs. They missed out in the play-off final last season so they have that heartbreak to make up for.”
“The Leeds v Wednesday game is about saying, ‘If we win this one, we are pretty much guaranteed to be in the play-offs.’ They won’t completely relax but they will be able to budget through to the end of the season and give some players a rest. I think it’s very important both teams go for the win in this game.”
“It could put some distance between themselves and Fulham because Norwich, Derby and Barnsley look out of the picture now. So it’s a very important game – not in terms of chasing the top two – but in cementing a play-off place,” he added.
What’s your prediction for Leeds United v Sheffield Wednesday?
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