Whether you look at the overall Championship table or form table across the past six matches, four or five games of Leeds United’s Christmas run-in are eminently winnable.
There are seven matches between the Whites and being Christmas number one (again), which, as we know, always (not if you’re Leeds) means you win promotion.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side are on the back of a five-match unbeaten run and heading into this next spell as fifth in the form table and third overall.
As we must do when predicting the future, we have to play the forthcoming matches on paper.
Reading and Huddersfield Town look like comforting trips when you see the league table, but each is enjoying a bounce from their new managers.
Meanwhile, that mid-December double-header with Cardiff City and Fulham, so foreboding back in the summer, does not look anywhere near as daunting on current form.
Beren Cross’s prediction
We have the Whites to be second when Christmas Day arrives, still two points off West Bromwich Albion, who are likely to be there or thereabouts with formidable home form backed by favourable trips to Wigan Athletic and Birmingham City in the next seven.
I have United down to pick up 16 points from the next 21. A win at poor Luton Town could be followed by a battling draw at resurgent Reading on a long, midweek slog south.
Middlesbrough should be seen off with ease, but that trip to the Terriers looks very challenging in light of recent form. If they are to drop points, there looks most likely to me.
I expect Hull City to be dispatched with ease at home before Cardiff City get the same treatment.
That trip to Craven Cottage four days before Christmas could go any which way, but I’m backing United’s consistency to get it done.
As for Preston North End, I’m predicting dropped points at Derby County and Hull City in their next two before a major win at home to West Brom.
Another two could be dropped away at Queens Park Rangers before three straight wins running up to Christmas.
Your turn
Map out each side’s next seven fixtures and see where you will have the Whites on the big day.
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