JUST IN: Leeds United man throws blunt EFL Championship winning prediction despite the Black Cats sitting at the top Amid aim warning to Regis Le Bris brilliant run to season.
With a quarter of the Championship season complete, the league table is beginning to take shape, as the race for promotion intensifies. Middlesbrough, currently in ninth place, sits just five points behind Burnley in second, with Burnley tied at 23 points alongside third-placed Leeds United.
This season has already seen plenty of surprises, but perhaps the biggest shock so far is Sunderland leading the standings after 12 games, and with a five-point advantage, no less. With nine wins out of 12, including a three-game winning streak going into the weekend, the Black Cats have earned their top spot and don’t seem likely to slip any time soon. Their impressive start has caught many off guard, including Leeds United’s stand-in captain, Pascal Struijk.
Although Struijk is surprised by Sunderland’s early success, he is quick to emphasize the 34 games remaining as Leeds aim to overcome their injury struggles and stay competitive in the promotion chase.
Speaking with BBC West Yorkshire Sport, Struijk remarked, “We always have high expectations. I am a bit surprised by Sunderland, by the way. They have started really well.
“But this league is long and tough. It’s about how we handle the challenges throughout the season, including injuries, and how we perform as a team to find success.”
Leeds will look to maintain their edge over Sheffield United and West Bromwich Albion and stay close to the top two as they face Wayne Rooney’s struggling Plymouth Argyle side tomorrow afternoon.