Leeds United can take huge step towards Premier League return as champions with victory at Sheffield United

Leeds United FC v Oxford United FC - Sky Bet Championship
Illan Meslier will be celebrating after Leeds win their Yorkshire derby with Sheffield United (Picture: Getty Images)

Anyone who witnessed the frantic scenes at Elland Road last week when substitute Pascal Struijk scored an injury-time winner will know Leeds fans love bouncing around and singing I Predict A Riot after a huge victory.

The packed ground belted out the Kaiser Chiefs hit as players jigged on the pitch following the 2-1 win against Sunderland which sent them above Sheffield United and back to the top of the Championship.

Fast forward seven days as the leaders make the short trip along the M1 to Bramall Lane to face the Blades in a match which could determine which club heads into the Premier League as champions.

But the big question going into the Yorkshire derby is what on earth do Sheffield United fans sing in similar circumstances, and are we likely to find out at the final whistle?

For decades Sheffield United belted out the Greasy Chip Butty song about their love of drink, cigarettes, nights out in the Steel City and love of their football team to the tune of John Denver’s Annie’s Song.

But considering Sheffield has produced wonderful music from the likes of the Arctic Monkeys, Pulp, Heaven 17, ABC and the Human League among others that’s very poor. Surely Beautiful South and Housemartins superstar Paul Heaton could have come up with something better for the team he adores?

In any event, we’re unlikely to hear what the home side plays after winning as Leeds will take a firm grip on top spot by gaining the victory which moves them five points clear.

Leeds boss Daniel Farke will outwit Sheffield United opposite number Chris Wilder (Picture: Getty Images)

Maximum points would move them seven clear of Burnley in third and, after six wins and a draw from their last seven league games with just one goal conceded in that run, it’s tough to go for any other option even though the Blades are also, ahem, a cut above the rest as they go into the game on the back of four straight wins.

Leeds are 19/20 to triumph with William Hill and Betfred while Manor Solomon is 7/2 with Ladbrokes, Coral and Sky Bet to score at any time and have us marching on together to collect our winnings from the bookies.

• Olympic champion Proper Heiress followed up his big win at Hove before Christmas by powering clear of his rivals to win the Ladbrokes Winter Derby at Monmore on Saturday and is still available at 25/1 with for this summer’s English Greyhound Derby at Towcester. Back Mark Wallis’ runner each-way and receive a lovely return if he makes the final. 

• Stefanos Tsitsipas is 11/8 with bet365 to post a straight-sets victory against Lorenzo Sonego in his opening match in Dubai as he prepares for Indian Wells next month.

About admin