Leeds United stands an outside shot at securing a top-two finish in the 2023/24 season, with Opta suggesting that Leicester City and Ipswich Town are currently the frontrunners for promotion. The Peacocks, having adjusted to Championship life following their relegation from the Premier League last season, have significantly improved their form. After a shaky start, the Yorkshire club has impressed, winning five and drawing one of their last six league matches.
A notable highlight was their crucial 1-0 victory against league leaders Leicester at the King Power Stadium, where Georginio Rutter’s second-half goal narrowed the gap between the two teams. In terms of goal-scoring prowess, only Ipswich has outscored Daniel Farke’s team in the Championship this season. Leeds boasts 12 different goal-scorers, including four players with six or more goals.
The latest Championship season projections… pic.twitter.com/ArZx2p3SdH
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) December 5, 2023
Furthermore, Leeds has been the most successful team in the last five matches, accumulating 13 points, tying with Southampton during this period. Despite a patchy start to the season, Farke’s side now finds themselves just seven points behind the second-place and eight points off the top.
Opta’s updated Championship projections indicate that Leeds has a 4.3% chance of winning the league title and a 27.1% chance of securing the second spot. In contrast, Leicester City is strongly favored, with an 84.1% chance of finishing first and a minimal 2.8% chance of falling outside the top two. Ipswich Town, positioned between the two, has a 10.1% chance of clinching the title and a 43.2% chance of finishing second.
While the current statistics are based on recent form and performances, the dynamic nature of football introduces uncertainty. The projections acknowledge that injuries to key players in Ipswich Town or Leicester City could potentially shift the odds in favor of Leeds United. With plenty of football left to be played, the Peacocks cannot afford to drop any more points, given the considerable lead established by the top two teams.