And a few words from Chris Wilder: “Congratulations to Daniel and Leeds United, congratulations to Scott Parker and Burnley. We can still get to 90 points, this season’s not been a failure. It’s not been lost here – you can’t lose to Plymouth Argyle, bottom of the league, or lose three games in a row.”
“I thought we were always in it, the goals we conceded weren’t like us … second half we had a go, needed to make better decisions in and around their box. We’re third, we can still go up through the playoffs – it’s certainly not all doom and gloom from me.”
Burnley’s ministry of defence, CJ Egan-Riley and Maxime Esteve, are chatting to Sky. “We’ve had such a great chemistry and work ethic this season,” says Egan-Riley. “All credit to the gaffer, he’s given me this chance. The Premier League is the pinnacle, for this club we’re amazing.”
Esteve says: “CJ is a top player, we’re a top team, we’ve only lost twice this season. I’m very proud. This is a Premier League club.” Is he looking forward to facing Salah and Haaland? “I’ll play anyone – I can’t wait!”
The Championship title is still up for grabs – Leeds have a big advantage in goal difference, so two wins from their last two games will surely get the job done.
Leeds fixtures: Bristol City (H, 28 Apr), Plymouth (A, 3 May)
Burnley fixtures: QPR (A, 26 Apr), Millwall (H, 3 May)
Here’s how Leeds got their part of the job done today:
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Here’s Daniel Farke! “This is one of the most emotional clubs in this country, so it’s never easy – it’s a heavy shirt to wear, and we have delivered in great style. We deserve it, we’re back where we belong.”
“[After losing to Southampton] we had to rebuild again, under tight [financial] restrictions. Such a difficult race, with tough opponents. All the compliments go to my lads. We watched the last five minutes of Burnley together, and we’ll have a few drinks at least.”
Is he looking forward to next season “Don’t scare me with the Premier League tonight! All three promoted teams are coming back down again. We have to earn a place as an established Premier League side.” And how about the title? “We have to celebrate, it’s important. I’m thinking about the next drink! I’ll lead the party, that’s for sure.”
Match report
Here’s Will Unwin’s verdict from Turf Moor, a very happy place this evening. Congratulations Burnley and Leeds fans – welcome (back) to the jungle. Thanks for joining me. Goodnight.
Daniel Farke joins Parker in securing his third Premier League promotion – only Steve Bruce (with four) has more. The German led Norwich to the Championship title in 2018-19, but suffered an immediate relegation back to the second tier.
Norwich stuck with Farke, and he won the second division again – but after a winless start to the following season, he was replaced by Dean Smith. After spells with Krasnodar and Mönchengladbach, Farke joined Leeds in summer 2023. He took them to the playoff final last season, and now automatic promotion.
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This is Parker’s third Premier League promotion – and he’s hoping the third time will be a charm. Parker took Fulham up via the playoffs in 2020-21, but they were relegated after one Covid-hit season.
He left the following summer, immediately joining Bournemouth, who finished the Championship season second to Fulham. After a 9-0 Premier League defeat at Anfield and claims his squad were “unequipped” for the top flight, he left before the end of August.
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Here’s Scott Parker: “It means everything really, we set a mission to get promoted – early in the season, there were a lot of ups and downs. I’m proud of a group of players who were committed, followed instructions – and now we’re in the Premier League.”
“Hard work, I build my life on that – and every player has taken that on board. The group are together, and it’s got us here. This [promotion] feels better,” he adds before he’s mobbed by beaming players.
“I’ve had some bumps in the road, losing my job at Brugge and I knew there was a big challenge here. I’m relieved and happy – for my family, and other people who aren’t in the spotlight.”
The Burnley chairman, Alan Pace, says Parker has “outperformed everything” that was discussed when he was appointed. “Even with the negativity, it never stopped him. He’s amazing, and we’re grateful and blessed to have him here.”
Big Ashley Barnes lifts owner Alan Pace about 10 feet off the ground. The players are now gathered around a very long, Sky-sponsored sideboard. Scott Parker is back out too, making sure all of his staff get their share of the adulation.
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Burnley players have been down into the dressing room to get the drinks flowing, and are now back out on the pitch in “We Are Premier League” t-shirts, to the strains of “Freed from Desire”. It’s what it’s all about.
Leeds reaction from Ethan Ampadu: “Very proud, a lot of positivity … we worked all year for this, but we’ve got another target to achieve [the title]. We were so happy with our performance [today], and this is another little boost. Playing Friday-Monday has been tiring, and the [Burnley] game has gone our way tonight – it’s an incredible feeling.
News from elsewhere in the Championship: West Brom have parted company with Tony Mowbray after Monday’s 3-1 home loss to Derby all but ended their playoff hopes. I guess he was something of a quick fix after Carlos Corberan left for Valencia, but it still seems a bit harsh to bin him off two games early.
Always interesting to see which fringe player steals the limelight when it comes to celebrating as a team. Over at Elland Road, Largie Ramazani has got his shades on indoors and throwing shapes for the camera.
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Scott Parker has been up in the stand talking to owner Alan Pace, and sharing a moment with his wife. As he walks back across the pitch, he looks a little overwhelmed. When he was brought in to replace Vincent Kompany, it’s fair to say expectations were low. The way he has rebuilt the team in such rapid fashion has been so impressive; he’s earned another crack at the Premier League.
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Some (pre-baked) reaction from the Leeds admin.
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Here’s the Burnley captain, Josh Brownhill: “We’ve had so much stick, people saying we’re boring … we’ve bored our way to the Premier League! All that hard work we’ve done, we’ve got back there. I’m so delighted [my penalty] went in. I’m just buzzing for some of the lads, who haven’t played Premier League football, what it means to them.”
Some unsavoury scenes down by the players’ tunnel, where Sheffield United’s Hamza Choudhury is furious, and having to be held back by police. He eventually heads down the tunnel, accompanied by stewards. Not sure what caused that.
“I’m going out to party in the Bogotá rain,” cheers Rob Wood. Enjoy.
Burnley’s players run to embrace Scott Parker as fans begin to spill on to the pitch. Across the Pennines, Leeds players are spraying champagne around the Bremner Suite with giddy abandon. Does it get better than this?
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Leeds and Burnley promoted to Premier League
It’s finished Burnley 2-1 Sheffield United, which means the hosts seal an immediate Premier League return. It’s also party time for Leeds, who return to the top flight after two years away.
Talk of how both sides might do next term can wait for another day. After all, there’s still a title race to settle – while Sheffield United will face the dreaded playoffs after falling short tonight.
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95 mins: The ball is in Sheffield United’s half, and Brewster gets booked for clipping Josh Cullen. Leeds fans, Burnley supporters, wherever you are, the moment has arrived …
94 mins: Laurent burns some seconds off the clock, wins a throw-in and urges the crowd to get behind Burnley one more time.
91 mins: Seriki’s cross won’t fall for Rak-Sakyi, but Robinson reclaims it and whips in a cross that McCallum heads over the bar from some 15 yards out.
89 mins: There will be six minutes of stoppage time left. Scott Parker trying his best to look calm; his team have certainly kept their heads so far tonight.
88 mins: Hamer leads the charge upfield and his pass deflects to Rak-Sakyi – but, once again, it’s a Burnley foot that gets in there to disrupt things at the final moment. Barnes gets involved, hoofing the ball from his own area to somewhere near Todmorden.
87 mins: He’s replaced by Joe Worrall, with Ashley Barnes replacing the tireless Zian Flemming. A couple of absolute legends of the Premier League mezzanine coming on.
86 mins: Trafford takes his sweet time to come forward and take a free kick some 40 yards out. Two more Burnley changes – and their captain and double scorer, Josh Brownhill, is heading off.
85 mins: Of course, it only takes a minute – and Rak-Sakyi at least tees up Seriki for a cross that’s not from 30 yards out. Burnley clear it away, Josh Laurent wins it in midfield and runs with the ball, but is stopped before he can cause any further damage.
84 mins: Esteve heads clear a long ball. Sheffield United still can’t get any attacking momentum going, and time is short.
82 mins: Hamer has a snap shot from 25 yards, which probably looked quite close if you’re a Burnley fan. Trust us, it wasn’t.
81 mins: Rhian Brewster is coming on, replacing midfielder Peck in a much-needed attacking change from Chris Wilder.
79 mins: Jack Robinson heads the ball across goal, almost finding Ahmedhodzic, who is offside. Still, a useful reminder for Burnley that one goal could ruin everything.
78 mins: Hannibal takes his leave, met by a rousing reception from Burnley fans. Jeremy Sarmiento, on loan from Brighton, takes his place.
76 mins: Burnley break down another Sheffield United attack and sweep downfield, where Anthony’s shot is closed down as he looked to pick out the far corner.
73 mins: More changes for the visitors – Femi Seriki replaces Vini Souza, and Sam McCallum is on for Burrows. That’s a straight swap at left-back, but I think Choudhury will move into midfield to accommodate Seriki.
72 mins: At some stage, United will need to go for broke – but Burnley have been so good at winning the ball back, breaking forward and then drawing a foul. It’s exactly what Zian Flemming does here, with Ahmedhodzic the obliging party.
71 mins: Hannibal has moved to the right side and is making his presence felt, whipping in a cross that Souza languidly flicks behind for a corner. From there, Pires tries an ambitious shot that’s closed down quickly.
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70 mins: Twenty minutes for Sheffield United to spoil one, or potentially two, promotion parties. “Got a Club Colombia on ice,” writes Rob Wood in Bogotá. “Not had a chance to shop this morning, too much football.”
68 mins: Burrows sends a left-footed delivery curling beyond everyone and out for a goal kick. Chris Wilder doesn’t look especially impressed.
67 mins: A first chance for Rak-Sakyi to get involved, and he nicks the ball past Lucas Pires, who brings him down. Sheffield United free kick, on the corner of the penalty area.
66 mins: Burnley aren’t shutting up shop – Peck has to be alert to cut out a cross, before Fleming tries an awkward shot that bobbles through to Cooper.
65 mins: Jaidon Anthony carries the ball upfield, but Hamer gets back to regain possession. The clock is moving much slower in Burnley and Leeds than in Sheffield, I would wager.
63 mins: Esteve has been exceptional in the heart of Burnley’s defence; here, he gets across to deny Ahmedhodzic from Peck’s low cross.
61 mins: First change for Burnley, as Josh Laurent replaces Marcus Edwards.
59 mins: Tyrese Campbell and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi have come on. The corner is cleared downfield by Brownhill, who’s led by example today.
58 mins: Brereton Diaz has been quiet on the right side, but gets into the area here – only for Jaidon Anthony to back-track and stop him getting a shot away. United are making changes, Brereton Diaz and Cannon coming off.
56 mins: Roberts’ cross in towards Fleming is headed clear by Ahmedhodzic. “I’m a Claret of 65 years standing. The great early 60s team: Adamson, McIlroy, Pointer, Connelly, Blacklaw and all was the first team I ever saw live,” writes Iain Noble. “Never saw a better side until Cruyff’s Netherlands and their total football.
“I can get the ITV coverage through a Fire Stick on my TV but I’m afraid to watch; this from someone who survived ‘The Orient Game’ but I’m getting too old for all the stress. But I know it’s written in the stars: Burnley will win! Come on Burnley! UTC!”
55 mins: Moore gets a talking to from David Webb for a foul, and walks away muttering to himself. Fair to say Burnley have played the occasion better so far.
54 mins: From the corner, Burnley end up short at the back as Hamer picks out Cannon, who races upfield. It’s a 3-on-2 with Burrows to the left and Brereton Diaz to the right. He goes for the latter, whose shot from 20 yards is always going over the bar.
53 mins: Vini Souza, a player who seems to only have two gears on today’s evidence, gives the ball away and Burnley can pour forward on the break. There’s almost too many claret shirts upfield, as Edwards plays it short to Hannibal, whose shot is deflected behind.
52 mins: Hannibal continues to offer maximum nuisance value, winning a foul from Choudhury with the ball in the air.
50 mins: Hamer’s low cross just evades Moore in the middle. Sheffield United have a long throw, which Burnley clear – and Hannibal almost sets Edwards away, but just overhits the through ball, allowing Choudhury to cover.
48 mins: Burnley’s defence are playing the ball among themselves, with their opponents not quite sure when to push up and when to sit back.
46 mins: Leeds players are watching this game at Elland Road after beating Stoke 6-0 earlier. Brownhill tries to tee up Hannibal with a cute through pass, but gets his timing wrong.
Second half
We’re back under way. Reminder – a Sheffield United equaliser denies Burnley promotion, but Leeds would still go up. If the Blades win, then nothing is settled tonight.
It’s also been a big day in the race for the playoffs, and battle to avoid League One.
“Will Unwin might not appreciate those press-room curries if it’s finely poised before entering Sir Alex’s infamous squeaky-bum time,” notes Justin Kavanagh.
“I learned about Hannibal crossing the Alps but his exploits reaching the Andes is next-level stuff,” writes Peter Oh.
“It’s chucking it down here as it does quite a lot,” writes Bogotá Rob. “But do I care right now. No.”
Shout outs also to Leeds fans Ezra in Jerusalem, and Kieran in, er, Leeds. Any Burnley supporters out there in the big wide world?
Half time! Burnley 2-1 Sheffield United
After a very enjoyable half of football, Burnley are heading up and Leeds will join them in the Premier League tonight. But as Grace and the Klaxons said, it’s not over yet.
46 mins: Sheffield United’s players appear to be feeling the frustration – Brereton Diaz is the latest to concede a cheap free kick by buffeting Hannibal to the ground. Burnley can’t make anything of it this time.
45 mins: Robinson is booked for bringing down Hannibal; Burnley are vexed when the referee stops play, with Edwards in a promising position if he’d played the advantage.
That’s the Burnley skipper’s 16th goal of the season – and as it stands, it will send his team up along with Leeds tonight.
GOAL! Burnley 2-1 Sheffield United (Brownhill 43')
Brownhill places the ball – he’s insistent on doing so right at the very edge of the spot, much to United defenders’ chagrin. The referee is happy with it … and he sends Michael Cooper the wrong way. Burnley are back in front!
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Penalty to Burnley!
42 mins: But now, David Webb does give the spot-kick to Burnley – and there’s no doubt about this one, Ahmedhodzic clumsily kicking Hannibal as he tried to clear it.
40 mins: Fleming goes down in the area under pressure from Ahmedhodzic, and the referee waves play on. It looked like there was contact … although on replays, it’s very hard to tell if there is actually any at all.
39 mins: Soz, Rob in Bogotá. The good news for Leeds is that, as it stands, they’re still going up – it’s Burnley who would have to wait.
Sheffield United won the ball back quickly and Hamer timed his through-ball perfectly, catching the Burnley back four cold. Cannon still had work to do from a narrow angle, but simply blasted the ball into the roof of the net.
GOAL! Burnley 1-1 Sheffield United (Cannon 37')
Burnley are breached, and the visitors are level – thanks to Tom Cannon’s first goal for Sheffield United!
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36 mins: Souza canters upfield but his attempted pass to Moore is diabolically underhit, and Esteve can intercept. But no matter …
“Hi, Leeds fan in Bogotá, this feed is a lifeline,” writes Rob Wood. “Come on Burnley, one will do or just match them. Just don’t think you will hear my roar high up in the Andes.” It’s going to plan so far, Rob.
34 mins: Burnley are packing the box at set pieces, forcing Sheffield United to try from range. The latest effort from Hamer is well-struck and dipping, but too central to cause Trafford any trouble.
33 mins: CJ Egan-Riley misjudges the bounce of the ball but is rescued by fellow centre-back Esteve, who gets across to block Moore’s shot.
31 mins: The scoreline feels a fair reflection of the first half-hour; now Sheffield United have to find a way back. They need to score twice – something nobody has done against Burnley in the league this season.
Edwards picks up the ball on the right and plays a cross into the area. Moore’s attempted clearance rebounds to Cullen, who shoots low at the near post – and as Cooper’s save sends the ball looping into the air, Brownhill is there to smash home on the volley!
GOAL! Burnley 1-0 Sheffield United (Brownhill 28')
And moments later, Josh Brownhill bangs the ball into the net from close range! Is the promotion party starting here … and in Leeds?
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28 mins: Fleming wins the ball with a well-timed tackle, and Hamer brings Brownhill down with a less well-timed tackle. He’s booked, and Burnley play the free kick short …
26 mins: Edwards flashes a shot across goal, but there’s no way through the thicket of white Sheffield United shirts.
Jeremy Boyce also reminds me that Sheffield United began the season with a two-point penalty – which could prove to be very costly depending on how the next few games shake down.
24 mins: Burnley push forward and Brownhill looks for Hannibal, who is shepherded off the ball by Brereton Diaz. He has a few words for his marker, with Sky calling it a “Hannibal lecture”. Come on, that’s not bad.
22 mins: We’re in a stage of the game you might call “both sides feeling each other out”.
Nice Brian Jensen throwback reference, but the Burnley fans are actually calling Maxime Esteve “Steeeeeve”, reports Adam Lancaster.
20 mins: Edwards floats a diagonal ball over to Anthony, who brings it down deftly and tries to take on Choudhury. He thinks he’s won a corner, but the referee signals for a goal kick.
19 mins: A hopeful long ball looks to release Cannon, but Trafford is out to collect it.
Will Unwin is our man at Turf Moor. “Aggressive start, if limited end product. Quite sunny here, and fans all have free flags. Jack Cork is sat in front of me. Nice curries in the press room.”
17 mins: Marcus Edwards prepares to whip it in with his right foot from the left – it’s overhit, and rebounds to Roberts, who also overcooks his attempted cross.
16 mins: Burnley see off the free kick and Hannibal then wins one for the hosts in the opposing half, to ironic cheers from the home crowd.
15 mins: Brownhill lets Hamer know he’s there with a thunking midfield tackle. Just a word from the ref this time – that’s a yellow in the Prem, Josh lad.
13 mins: Esteve again takes care of another attacking threat, drawing cheers of (I think) “beeeeeeast” from the home fans. A reprise of the old Brian Jensen chant?
11 mins: It feels like there are goals in this game, in spite of the big occasion, Burnley’s defensive record and United’s recent slump in scoring form. Feels like I’ve jinxed it now, though.
9 mins: Sydie Peck looks to have picked up a knock while running back. Sheffield United have a free kick, floated upfield to Moore, whose shot is on target but straight at Trafford.
7 mins: Burnley’s best opening so far falls to Zian Flemming, in the right place as Anthony’s shot deflects off Jack Robinson – but unable to turn the ball home from six yards out!
6 mins: The corner is half-cleared and Peck tries a shot from an angle – it’s blocked but rebounds to Harrison Burrows, who sends a decent enough effort spinning over the bar.
5 mins: Burnley get a free-kick but the delivery is overcooked. Sheffield United break and Brereton Diaz gets a fortunate corner as the ball bobbles behind.
“Just asking for curious Americans, of which I am one,” writes Joe Pearson. “Is Easter weekend normally a four day holiday in the UK? In my working life, we only got a half-day on Good Friday. Easter Monday? What’s that?” In short, yes it is – although not necessarily for footballers or MBMers.
3 mins: Sheffield United are playing a 4-4-2, with Cannon alongside Moore in a comedy double-act that never was. Brereton Diaz, who’s playing as a right-sided attacking midfielder, is muscled off the ball by Esteve. The former Blackburn man is not too popular with the home fans at Turf Moor.
2 mins: Anthony gets in behind down the left for Burnley, and he has options to cross – but tries to hold on for too long. Burnley keep the ball, but eventually the offside flag goes up.
1 min: Tom Cannon cuts back for Kieffer Moore, who takes a touch, turns and shoots – straight at James Trafford. Now it’s Burnley’s turn …
Kick-off
Peep! We’re off – and in no time at all, Sheffield United create a decent chance …
“Smug Leeds fan here, I was nervous at 3pm, it all went away after 26 mins,” cheers Jeremy Boyce. “Big one tonight then, a must-win for Wilder’s Blades. This is going to rattle their teeth and nerves. Do they go all out for the win ? Or keep some back for the possible playoffs?”
We all know the team who just miss out on the top two are doomed to fail in the playoffs – even though the statistics probably don’t actually back that up.
More on this afternoon’s action in the Championship and League One…
Both managers are keen to emphasise this is a Game of Football, never mind the bigger picture. “We’ve come here with one ambition, to win a Game of Football,” offers Chris Wilder, looking like he’s just caught the assistant ref eating a Creme Egg.
Scott Parker is slightly more expansive: “We’ve got a Game of Football ahead of us, 90 minutes, which we need to have full focus on. While the rewards are there, it’s irrelevant really. We’ve got to execute, be cool and calm, deliver the commitment, desire and quality we’ve shown all season in a 90-minute Game of Football.”
Full time: Leeds 6-0 Stoke
Job very much done for Daniel Farke’s men, who will seal promotion tonight if Sheffield United fail to win. At the other end, Plymouth’s reward for beating Coventry was watching three of the teams above them – Hull, Luton and Derby – also pull out impressive wins. Cardiff and Oxford drew 1-1, a result that’s no good for either team.
| Pos | Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leeds | 44 | 60 | 94 |
| 2 | Burnley | 43 | 45 | 91 |
| 3 | Sheff Utd | 43 | 26 | 86 |
| 4 | Sunderland | 44 | 17 | 76 |
| 5 | Bristol City | 44 | 8 | 67 |
| 6 | Coventry | 44 | 5 | 66 |
| 7 | Middlesbrough | 44 | 10 | 63 |
| 8 | Millwall | 44 | -1 | 63 |
| 9 | Blackburn | 44 | 4 | 62 |
| 10 | West Brom | 44 | 8 | 60 |
| 11 | Swansea | 44 | -4 | 60 |
| 12 | Watford | 44 | -7 | 56 |
| 13 | Sheff Wed | 44 | -9 | 56 |
| 14 | Norwich | 44 | 1 | 53 |
| 15 | QPR | 44 | -6 | 53 |
| 16 | Portsmouth | 44 | -13 | 52 |
| 17 | Stoke | 44 | -15 | 50 |
| 18 | Preston North End | 44 | -10 | 49 |
| 19 | Oxford Utd | 44 | -18 | 49 |
| 20 | Hull | 44 | -9 | 48 |
| 21 | Derby | 44 | -9 | 46 |
| 22 | Luton | 44 | -23 | 46 |
| 23 | Cardiff | 44 | -23 | 43 |
| 24 | Plymouth | 44 | -37 | 43 |
“My thoughts,” offers Phil Grey. “1. If Sheffield United are promoted, their two easiest fixtures next season will probably be home to Burnley and Leeds. This season they lost those two games, 2-0 and 3-1. It feels like life could be really tough for them in the Premier League. Maybe they’d be better off avoiding promotion.
“2. If Burnley are promoted this evening, but are relegated next season, could Scott Parker be Bayern Munich’s next manager?” Hard to disagree on either point.
Chris Wilder starts three traditional strikers – Tom Cannon, Ben Brereton Díaz and Kieffer Moore – in a bid to break down this miserly Burnley defence. That trio come in for Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, Rhian Brewster and Tyrese Campbell, with Jack Robinson replacing Rob Holding in central defence.
No rotation required for Scott Parker despite Burnley playing on Good Friday – he’s named the same starting XI that won at Watford three days ago.
Team news
Burnley (4-2-3-1): Trafford; Roberts, Egan-Riley, Esteve, Lucas Pires; Brownhill, Cullen; Edwards, Mejbri, Anthony; Flemming.
Subs: Hladky, Sonne, Worrall, Sarmiento, Redmond, Laurent, Koleosho, Banel, Barnes.
Sheffield United (4-2-3-1): Cooper; Choudhury, Ahmedhodzic, Robinson, Burrows; Peck, Vinicius Souza; Brereton Díaz, Hamer, Cannon; Moore.
Subs: Gilchrist, Adam Davies, McCallum, Holding, Brewster, O’Hare, Rak-Sakyi, Campbell, Seriki.
Leeds fans might have expected a nervous afternoon, with victory against not-quite-safe Stoke required at Elland Road. Instead, the hosts went 4-0 up after 26 minutes, and now lead 6-0 – with Joel Piroe scoring four times to end his scoring drought in style. All of which means they are going up today unless Sheffield United win at Turf Moor tonight.
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Preamble
One year and one day ago, Vincent Kompany’s Burnley won 4-1 at Bramall Lane to push their hosts towards the Premier League trapdoor, and move to within three points of Nottingham Forest in the race for survival. A year is a very long time in football.
Burnley eventually joined Sheffield United in heading back to the Championship, triggering a series of events that led Kompany to Bayern Munich and, later on, Thomas Tuchel to the England job. Scott Parker took over at Turf Moor and has transformed Burnley into a defensive powerhouse, conceding just 14 goals in 43 games this season.
As for United, they stuck with Chris Wilder despite a disastrous start to his second stint with the club. Both boards’ decisions looked questionable, but while fellow parachuters Luton tumbled down the second-tier table, Burnley and Sheffield United have been locked in a season-long promotion battle with Leeds (and, for a time, Sunderland).
That was until a recent blip from the Blades, a three-game losing streak that allowed their rivals breathing space. With Leeds 5-0 up at home to Stoke, victory for the hosts tonight will see both Burnley and Leeds secure their Premier League places for next season. There’s still time, though, for Wilder to spoil the party – or at least delay it.
