Kyle Bartley delivers promotion warning to Leeds United and West Brom

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Kyle Bartley has been quoted by Birmingham Live as saying that Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion must remain focused if they are to finish in the top two and gain promotion to the Premier League – before giving his verdict on Leeds.

Leeds suffered a capitualtion at Elland Road last time out, as Cardiff came from three goals down to draw 3-3 with Marcelo Bielsa’s men – something which the footballing genius claimed had completely stumped him.

It saw West Brom retake their two-point lead at the top of the Championship table. But for Leeds and West Brom, where automatic promotion is the key, the gap between second and third is much more important.

Leeds – on 47 points – sit 10 ahead of Preston and ex-Leeds giant Bartley, who is one of the first names on Slaven Bilic’s West Brom team sheet, has stated both sides need to remain focused to gain promotion. He also described Leeds as a “great team”.

“They’re a great team,” Bartley said. “They’re obviously the only team to have beaten us this season. That’s a bit of a bitter pill to take, but we play them again on the first (of January) so that’ll be a good game.

“We saw Aston Villa last year go on a great run in the second half of the season, I think Fulham did it the year before. So it happens, every season. All we can do it concentrate on our next game.”

TBR’s view – Can Leeds hold on, unlike last season?

At this point last season, Leeds were top with 48 points from 23 games – and this season, the Whites are on 47 from 22. They are in a very similar position to last term, before the Whites capitulated and finished in third.

The difference is that the gap between the top two and the rest is much bigger. Also, Bielsa has more depth in his side this season despite losing Pontus Jansson and Kemar Roofe. Leeds are in a better position to hold on this time.