Danny Ward makes Leeds United promotion prediction after draw

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Danny Ward has suggested, in comments reported by The Sun’s Goals section (16/12; page 16), that he still expects Leeds United to be promoted this season, despite Cardiff City’s stunning comeback at the weekend.

Ward started for the Bluebirds as they produced a brilliant fightback at Elland Road. Leeds were 3-0 up inside an hour, with Helder Costa breaking the deadlock and Patrick Bamford bagging a brace.

But Neil Harris’s side would leave the home fans stunned by scoring three times. The draw denied Leeds the chance to return to the top of the Championship. And, given the events of last season, it has left many Whites supporters feeling particularly anxious about the club’s promotion push.

But Ward insisted that he does not expect Leeds to fall away this time around.

“Leeds are good enough to go up, that’s for sure,” he said, as reported by The Sun. “If they keep playing the way they started against us, then I don’t see any reason why not.

“The quality they have, both individually and collectively, is clear for all to see. Leeds and West Brom are the two standout teams in the Championship. They are going to take some stopping.”

Marcelo Bielsa will be hoping that the draw acts as a wake-up call rather than signals the beginning of a dip in form. If it does inspire Leeds to get back to their best, the fact that they drew the game rather than lost will be looked back upon as a small positive.

The Whites had won their previous seven games. And they remain well clear of the teams in the play-off places.

How they now respond could be just as important as the excellent winning run that preceded the Cardiff draw.