Former Leeds United manager Neil Redfearn thinks Sheffield United have the advantage in the promotion race.
Both clubs have four matches remaining to try and secure their place in the Premier League for next season. Leeds are currently three points ahead of the Blades in second.
Yet Redfearn believes that the scheduling of those fixtures actually hinders the Whites.
“I don’t think it’s fair, if I’m honest. Particularly for sides going for the same prize and it being such a big prize and what it means,” he told BBC Radio Leeds.
“Both sides should kick off at the same time. It is an advantage as if Sheffield United get a result it puts pressure on Leeds.”
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The fixture list
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Redfearn does have a point. Last weekend the Blades’ 1-1 draw with Millwall kicked off at 3pm, while Leeds didn’t play Sheffield Wednesday until 5.30pm – beating them 1-0.
It is a similar story over the Easter Weekend. Wilder’s side will host Nottingham Forest at 12.30pm on Friday, ahead of Leeds playing Wigan Athletic at home at 3pm.
On Easter Monday the Blades are at Hull City at 3pm, while Leeds travel to Brentford at 5.15pm. The penultimate game week of the season sees Sheffield United playing on Saturday evening against Ipswich Town, but Marcelo Bielsa’s men don’t take on Aston Villa until the Sunday.
Of course, on the final day of the campaign all 12 Championship matches kick off at the same time in the interest of fairness. Which does suggest there is something in playing before or after a close rival.
It means that between now and the end of the season the Blades will always be able to seize the advantage and Leeds will be playing catch up.
Alternatively, it does also mean that if they slip up, Bielsa’s team know they can move ahead should they get a positive result.
