Leeds United’s quest for a return to the promised land at long last is looking more likely by the week, but news that has swept the entire globe could play a considerable part with only nine games remaining.The UK government is expected to announce that it is stepping up their response to the coronavirus pandemic by switching to a delay of it’s spreading rather than trying to prevent it, and this could impact the Championship title race hugely.As a result, football could be played behind closed doors with The Times revealing that this is a rather likely outcome, which has since been reinforced by one EFL chairman.Peterborough United chief Darragh MacAnthony expressed his concern at his side playing in an empty stadium but stated, according to sources close to him, that games could be shut to the public as early as this weekend.
It could mean that both Leeds and West Brom’s fixtures are played without their supporters in the stands.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side faces a trip to playoff-chasing Cardiff City on Sunday while the Baggies host Birmingham City in Saturday’s early kickoff.
If MacAnthony’s claim does turn out to be true, then it’ll give both clubs a new test to face – just how will they adapt to playing without any atmosphere or support?
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This added dimension could be a crucial factor in the race to lift the title come May, especially if the rest of the season is subsequently forced behind closed doors.
The teams in playoff positions are currently at least six points from reaching the automatic spots, so everything remains in the hands of both the Whites and Albion, but that’s not to say the likes of Fulham, Brentford and Nottingham Forest can’t be pulled back in – it could even give them an advantage if the top two respond poorly to the decision.
Leeds are averaging 35,321 supporters at Elland Road each home game while Slaven Bilic’s side can expect to have an average of 24,162 fans per game at the Hawthorns, per Football Web Pages.
Are you a Championship expert? How much did each of these big-money signings cost?
Take those away, and it will surely have a major impact on not only their finances but also the morale amongst the squad.
Whoever copes best could well take the crown, so considering only one point separates both teams at this stage, any small advantage would undoubtedly be a defining ingredient to success.
And in other news,ÂU23 STARLET can offer Leeds a left-back solution…