'More records will have to fall for Leeds to go up'

Leeds are still well on track to be promoted automatically – they have the easiest run-in, beat their closest rivals and have the best goal difference; so why the pessimism in the fanbase after Sunday's loss to Portsmouth?

The despair after the match was palpable. In a survey on X of nearly 2,000 users, the highest voted answer to the question "where will Leeds finish?" was "third place".

Despite the attitude online, there was not exactly a meltdown on the pitch.

The Whites created four big chances and were denied a clear penalty. On a different day Leeds win that game.

But a long ball over the top, a hesitant goalkeeper, a potential breakdown in form close to Easter - Leeds fans spot the warning signs - echoes of failed promotions past.

On paper the Peacocks have the better run-in. But they have already lost to Millwall at Elland Road this season, albeit in the FA Cup.

And QPR away brings back memories of Marcelo Bielsa in the tunnel on his haunches, and long stretches of losses in London.

Lunchtime kick-offs have also been an issue this season. From United's 10 games with a pre-15:00 kick off time, Leeds have averaged 1.1 points per game, compared to 2.4 points when the match kicks off in the afternoon or evening.

There are three more lunchtime kick-offs to come and they are all away.

This team should have too much. Every "super computer", betting company and historical statistic says Leeds United will almost certainly be promoted.

But this is the club who invented, 'doing a Leeds'.

This side have broken records, but in the toughest league in the world Leeds are everyone's cup final; and in a promotion race this close, more records will have to fall, for United to go up.

Find more from Adonis Storr at The Roaring Peacock.