At the time of writing, Leicester City lead Ipswich Town 1-0 in the Championship promotion showdown.
Neil Warnock feels Leeds United are “strong enough” to make an immediate Premier League return.
The former Whites manager understands what it takes to get promotion, having achieved the record in English football with eight. Warnock’s 1,626 games as a professional coach are also unparalleled, with his most recent term in charge coming earlier this season at Huddersfield Town.
Daniel Farke‘s team is currently five points behind the leading pack in the automatic promotion playoffs. Leicester City and Ipswich Town face off tonight, with Leeds‘ match against Norwich at Elland Road tomorrow offering an opportunity to reduce the deficit.
A recent run of form has also sealed the Whites’ play-off status, at least for the time being, if they fall short of the top two. Leeds now have a 12-point lead over Hull City in seventh place after three consecutive wins.
Southampton, another relegated team from last season, is also resurgent. The Saints have been unbeaten since September and moved into the top two with a 3-1 away win over Swansea City on Saturday.
Speaking ahead of Leicester’s match against Ipswich, ex-Whites manager Warnock tipped the three teams that were relegated to the Championship as promotion favourites. The 75-year-old also warned the Tractor Boys not to be disheartened if they lose to the league leaders tonight.
“It’s a big game but it’s not going to define Ipswich’s season,” remarked Warnock. “I believe Leicester will be in the top tier anyway. They have two teams who could finish in the top half.
Southampton, Leeds, and Leicester are all formidable opponents. So Ipswich is punching above their weight a little. I believe they should try to enjoy it. They’ll have to fight for their lives tonight, putting their bodies on the line.”
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