Leeds United news: Championship history suggests Elland Road club are on course for promotion

Leeds United news: Championship history suggests Elland Road club are on course for promotion
It has been a season of joy so far for Leeds United.Marcelo Bielsa’s appointment as manager throughout the summer brought true optimism to Elland Road, with the Whites backed to finally return to the Premier League.2

Leeds have won 11 matches so far this season, losing just three

And four months into the season, Leeds are living up to expectations.They sit second in the Championship table, just one point behind leaders Norwich and with the best goal difference in the entire division.A tricky festive period sees Leeds play five matches before the end of the year, before they they visit fellow promotion contenders Nottingham Forest on New Year’s Day.Claiming maximum points over the Christmas period would set them up perfectly for the second half of the season.Promotion was the expectation and, given the club’s excellent campaign so far, it has become the goal, and history suggests returning to the top flight is back on the cards. If Leeds continue to pick up points at the rate they have been over the opening 20 matches of the season (1.95 points per game), they will end the season on 90 points (rounded up from 89.7).Historically, such a points total guarantees promotion to the Premier League, as it is higher than the 87 points that is the average to finish second in the Championship.Winning the league may be beyond the Elland Road club, with 94 points the average to be crowned champions, but that second automatic promotion spot is well within Leeds’ grasp.2

Could Marcelo Bielsa guide Leeds into the Premier League for the first time since 2004

Furthermore, Leeds’ projected total of 90 points has only ever been reached by one club previously who failed to win automatic promotion; Sunderland won 90 points in 1997/98, but were forced into the play-offs as Nottingham Forest (94 points) and Middlesbrough (91 points) finished first and second respectively.Norwich will finish as champions if they continue to pick up 2ppg for the rest of the campaign, though this keeps them slightly below the average first-place total of 94 points.If the Canaries wish to break the Championship points record – set by Reading in 2005/06 with 106 points – they would need to pick up 67 points in their remaining 26 matches, which equates to just under 2.6 ppg.

---

Rangers defender James Tavernier signs one-year contract extension with the Ibrox club. GERS finally confirm that the right back has agreed an extension with the Ibrox club as he becomes the

---

Earlier today, the Liverpool first-team, Women's and Academy squads paid their respects to the 96 children, women and men who died at Hillsborough by visiting the memorial at Anfield. pic
In pictures: The story of the Hillsborough tragedy - Liverpool FC

---

Mike Dean (referee) Celebrates Tranmere Rovers getting Promoted (League 2 Play Off Final) ANTHEM AND JEER THE ENGLISH ANTHEM AT LEAGUE 2 PLAY OFF FINAL as Liverpool reach the Champions
Premier League Referee Celebrates Tranmere Rovers Reaching

---

Everton will not allow Cenk Tosun to leave this month unless they are able to sign a replacement first, amid interest from Crystal Palace. According to Sky Sports, Crystal Palace have made an enquiry to Everton about Tosun's availability, with the Merseyside club telling them that they would need to sign a replacement first.
Sport: Everton reject Palace loan offer for Tosun - PressFrom

---

Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane celebrate during Liverpool's 4-2 win over Burnley - Getty Images Europe. At a moment in the season when every action and statement is forensically observed and
Liverpool 4 Burnley 2: Sadio Mane secures win | Sporting News

---

Wolves post hilarious reaction to Willy Boly's dramatic goal

---

Relive Sports Mole's live text coverage of Charlton's 2-1 win over Sunderland as Patrick Bauer struck late to send Athletic into the Championship. McGeady, Morgan, Grigg A long ball
Transfer Talk: Gonzalo Higuain close to Maurizio Sarri

---

Raheem Sterling: Manchester City star opens up about the

---

Nelson Oliveira left with gruesome facial injury after Tyrone Mings stamp - News Today Reading striker Nelson Oliveira was left covered in blood after a gruesome incident in their 0-0 draw with
Mings apologises for dealing gruesome facial injury to Nelson

---

Everton vs Man City LIVE stream, what TV channel, team news and kick off time from Goodison Park Man City travel to Everton looking to keep up the pressure on league leaders Liverpool By Sam Street
Premier League TV, streaming schedule - ProSoccerTalk

---

Porto vs Liverpool: Kick-off time. The Champions League clash will get underway at 8pm on Wednesday, April 17. The Reds hold a commanding advantage in the tie thanks to goals from Naby Keita and Roberto Firmino in the early leg at Anfield. Liverpool won 5-0 when made the trip to Porto in last season's Champions League Round of 16 tie.
Porto vs Liverpool live on talkSPORT: Full commentary and

---