[long_read]

Leeds United succumbed to a bitterly defeat at the hands of local and promotion rivals Sheffield United at the weekend, subsequently losing their place in the top two.

It was shaping up to be the biggest game of the season for both sides, who have been at loggerheads all season long in pursuit of a spot in the automatic promotion places.

But it was the Blades who secured an invaluable three points at Elland Road, and despite Marcelo Bielsa’s men dominating for the large part, Chris Wilder’s men took their chance when Chris Basham put them into the lead deep into the second half.

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The result sees the Blades leapfrog the Whites into second place, a massive blow at this stage of the season, with many now questioning Leeds’ character and ability to get back into the top two after such a disappointing loss.

Here, we take a look at why Leeds will still achieve automatic promotion this season...

[snack_break title="There are still some very winnable games left to play"]

Leeds have a mixed bag of fixtures left to play, although you have to say that their run-in is fairly generous.

Over the next few weeks, they travel to an almost relegated Ipswich Town, host a struggling Wigan Athletic side, and next week, they have the perfect opportunity to get back to winning ways against another struggling side in Millwall.

Bielsa’s men have got to fancy their chances against this type of opposition.

[snack_break title="They are normally good against the better teams"]

Bar the defeat to the Blades, Bielsa’s men have more than stepped up to the plate against the promotion-chasing sides.

They absolutely sailed past West Brom only a couple of weeks ago, and have also picked up some impressive wins away from home at the likes of the Blades and Norwich, albeit earlier on in the season.

One game doesn’t define a season, and they are more than capable of defeating the likes of Aston Villa and Preston over the next month or so.

[snack_break title="Kemar Roofe is still yet to return"]

It is no secret that the Whites have been missing their top scorer in the last few weeks, since he was sidelined due to a knee injury.

Against United, they failed to show any threat up front, and you certainly feel that he would have gobbled up one of the chances that came their way.

His return could be a massive boost for the remainder of the campaign.

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