Tuesday night sees another instalment of what has already been a gripping race for automatic promotion in the Championship, with Leeds United currently in pole position.

However, Leeds’ lead of five points over Sheffield United prior to the weekend has been cut to just three with the Whites unable to beat West Brom at Elland Road, and the Blades edging past QPR in London.

Burnley meanwhile, were in action in The FA Cup against Paul Heckingbottom and Sam Greenwood’s Preston. The Clarets suffered a 3-0 loss with Scott Parker making nine changes, focusing on the league.

They have the chance to reduce the current eight-point gap between themselves and Leeds to just five when they go to Cardiff tonight. The pressure is on Leeds, and Alan Smith has identified a key factor.

The Leeds fans have been excellent in the last couple of weeks. The atmosphere generated when Leeds secured late wins over Sunderland and Sheffield United was off the scale, but Smith has a concern.

Talking to FLW, the Elland Road icon said that while the Leeds fans are “passionate” they can prove to be a detriment to the team. So much so, that Smith says promotion with no fans in 2019-20 was easier.

“It can work both ways as they’re the most passionate supporters. The crowd can get a little bit nervous because the prize is so great, and people feel it when you start to get closer to the end of the season.

“The last time we went up was during Covid. No fans, it was probably a little bit easier. I would love them to get promoted with a full stadium. It’s the pinnacle for supporters, getting into the Premier League.”

Predicting Leeds United’s next three fixture before March break

The dreaded international break is back this month. Leeds have three games before a big portion of Daniel Farke’s side jet off around the world to represent their countries, like Ao Tanaka and Junior Firpo.

Leeds three remaining games before March break:

Firstly, Leeds are in action this weekend against Portsmouth. A midday kick-off on Sunday at Fratton Park, where Leeds will look to rid themselves of their lunchtime hoodoo before facing Millwall on Wednesday.

Then, a trip to QPR who gave Sheffield United a good game on the weekend. This Leeds squad will need no reminders of what happened the last time they went to QPR, suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat last term.