John Lukic believes Leeds United can win Championship play-offs

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John Lukic has told the Daily Mirror that he believes Leeds United can still gain promotion to the Premier League, but believes the chance to catch Sheffield United has gone.

Leeds suffered back-to-back defeats over Easter against Wigan Athletic and Brentford. It saw them go from three points clear in second, to three points behind the Blades in third.

With only two league games to play, Leeds are still mathematically able to topple Sheffield United but the chances of the Blades dropping points against Ipswich and Stoke City is unlikely. They only need four points.

Former Leeds goalkeeper Lukic, who enjoyed two spells at Elland Road and clocked up 430 league appearances, stated that automatic promotion is out of the window but Leeds can thrive off the Wembley atmosphere.

“The Premier League is certainly a better league with Leeds in it, in my view. But it is hard to see them catching Sheffield United now with the games the teams have got left,” Lukic said.

“But I still believe they can go up. He [Marcelo Bielsa] has experience as a manager and, in my opinion, it’s more adrenaline than tiredness which is affecting the players.

“Everyone says Wembley takes your legs but actually the excitement and adrenaline of playing there is what gets you. It’s similar to what they are going through now.”

TBR’s view

If Leeds do finish third in the Championship, the likelihood is they will have to take on either West Bromwich Albion, Aston Villa and either one of Derby County, Middlesbrough and Bristol City.

It is hard to look past Villa as favourites. Momentum is key going into the play-offs and Dean Smith’s side have won 10 league games on the bounce. Leeds have won just two of their last five outings.

Leeds take on Villa at Elland Road on Sunday, which will be a good tester ahead of the play-offs.