Leeds United are preparing to return to Championship action on Tuesday night with an away trip to Watford, just days after their disappointing 2-0 FA Cup fourth-round defeat to Millwall. Daniel Farke heavily rotated his squad for that match, prioritizing the league campaign, and will now be looking for his side to bounce back and maintain their promotion push.
Despite the setback in the cup, the Whites remain in a commanding position in the Championship. Their last league outing saw them secure an impressive 2-0 win over Coventry City, a result that helped them retain their place at the top of the table while also getting one over on former Everton and Chelsea boss Frank Lampard.
Leeds’ Promotion Chances – Supercomputer Update
Following the victory over Coventry, Opta Analyst’s supercomputer has updated Leeds’ promotion probabilities, and the numbers remain overwhelmingly positive. According to their latest calculations (10 February), Leeds have:
A 90.2% chance of securing automatic promotion to the Premier League.
A 68.58% chance of winning the Championship title.
While these numbers remain strong, they have slightly dipped from immediately after the Coventry win, when Leeds had a 91.08% chance of automatic promotion and a 70.7% probability of winning the title. The minor decrease reflects the tight competition at the top of the table, where Leicester City and Ipswich Town are also battling for the two automatic promotion spots.
With just over three months remaining in the season, Leeds remain in the driver’s seat, but maintaining consistency will be crucial. Tuesday’s trip to Watford presents another tough test, and Farke will be eager to see his side respond positively after their disappointing FA Cup exit.
Daniel Farke Confirms Max Wober Requires Surgery
Leeds’ defensive depth will take a hit in the coming weeks, as Daniel Farke has confirmed that Max Wober will require surgery on a lingering knee issue. The Austrian defender, who has not featured for the Whites since early January, has struggled with an ongoing problem and now faces a spell on the sidelines.
Speaking in his press conference on 10 February, Farke stated:
“Wober has this ongoing knee problem, another setback. He will need another surgery and we will do this as quick as possible. He will definitely be out until the next international break.”
This means Wober will miss all of Leeds’ fixtures until late March, with the club hoping he will be fit to return after the international break. His absence will be a blow, but Leeds have coped well without him in recent weeks, and Farke will be counting on the likes of Pascal Struijk, Ethan Ampadu, and Joe Rodon to step up in central defense.
Daniel Farke Provides Junior Firpo Contract Update
Another major talking point is the future of Junior Firpo, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the season. Despite his improved performances this campaign, Firpo’s long-term future at Elland Road remains uncertain, and Farke has now provided an update on the situation.
The German head coach confirmed that no contract discussions are currently taking place, as Leeds are focusing entirely on their promotion push. Speaking on 10 February, Farke said:
“No, we are playing every three days, so no time for contract talks. We talk with contracts when players are back in rhythm. No time to waste any energy on that.”
Firpo has been an important figure for Leeds in recent months, and his performances have won over many fans after a tough start to life at Elland Road. Whether he will be offered a new deal remains to be seen, but it appears that Leeds will wait until later in the season before making a decision.
Marcelo Bielsa’s Former Analyst Reflects on Leeds United Experience
Elsewhere, Diego Bermudez, a former analyst in Marcelo Bielsa’s backroom staff, has spoken about his time at Leeds, making some glowing remarks about the club and its fanbase.
Bermudez, who worked under Bielsa from 2019 to 2022, described the Premier League as a “rapid” and highly demanding league, but also expressed his admiration for Leeds as a club. Speaking to La Voz de Galicia, he said:
“I felt a brutal sense of belonging at Leeds. It is a special club with an incredible fanbase. Leeds have one of the best supporters I have ever experienced.”
His comments highlight the deep connection that many former players and staff have with Leeds United, particularly those who were part of the Bielsa era. That period remains one of the most beloved in the club’s recent history, with Bielsa leading Leeds back to the Premier League after 16 years in the Championship.
Looking Ahead – A Crucial Test Against Watford
With the FA Cup now out of the picture, Leeds will be fully focused on securing promotion. The trip to Watford on Tuesday is the next step in that journey, and Farke will be looking for a strong response from his players after the Millwall defeat.
Watford, currently mid-table, have been inconsistent this season, but they possess quality in attack and can be a dangerous side on their day. Leeds will need to be at their best to secure another important three points in the promotion race.
With Wober sidelined, Firpo’s future uncertain, and the pressure mounting at the top of the table, Leeds cannot afford any slip-ups as they push for an immediate return to the Premier League.
What are your thoughts ahead of the Watford game? Confident Leeds will get the job done?