Five issues Leeds want to alter in the event that they’re to safe promotion by way of play-offs

Leeds United’s quest for Premier League football will now have them navigate the minefield of the play-offs, as Ipswich secured the final automatic promotion spot.

Once a famous old club flying high in England’s top tier, Leeds’ name, these days, is more synonymous with the Championship. Only one man has managed to crack the code in the past two decades – Marcelo Bielsa.

And even the iconic Argentine failed when it came to the play-offs, with Leeds collapsing during the second leg against Derby County at Pride Park. Daniel Farke faces a tough challenge, but one that’s not beyond – and one that’s not beyond Leeds.

It’s time to forget the past

There was an audible dread that engulfed Elland Road as news filtered through that Ipswich had taken the lead against Huddersfield. Leeds fans aren’t just worried about the play-offs – they’re outright terrified of them.

Leeds and the playoffs don’t mix, but that doesn’t mean Leeds can’t conquer them.

The Peacocks have a young team that won’t be concerned with the past, many of whom weren’t even born during their spectacular collapses in the 2000s. Farke’s side should be the third team to be promoted this season if they play with the freedom of the past nine months.

Do you think Leeds United can navigate the playoffs? Let us know in the comments section

Get Patrick Bamford firing, again

Patrick Bamford has cut a polarising figure this season, with many fans turning on their former hero.

Under Bielsa, Bamford was the man, leading the line with his relentless energy. However, the key difference was the ex-Chelsea youngster was confident in front of goal – that’s what Farke needs to get out of his striker.

Bamford, on paper, doesn’t make it into the starting side – but as an elder statesman of the squad, his experience will be key. And if Farke can get him firing, there could be one last dance for the Englishman in West Yorkshire.

Sorting out the leaky defence

It sounds strange to be telling Leeds to start plugging their leaky backline – until mid-March, the Peacocks had conceded four goals in the league. However, Leeds have now shipped 10 goals in their previous four games.

It’s a trend that has to change before they kick a ball in the play-off semi-finals later this month.

Leeds’ defence has been strengthened by the return of Ethan Ampadu, and they’ll need to keep him fighting fit if they want a chance at promotion.

Don’t abandon their regular season principles

Leeds have played with a lot of freedom this season, allowing Georgino Rutter, Crysencio Summerville and Willy Gnonto to pull apart Championship defences with relative ease.

Farke might be tempted to play a more defensive style of football, with fixtures meaning more than most at this time of the season. However, it’s not that style of play that has got Leeds this far.

Only time will tell how Farke could line up against Norwich when the play-offs swing into gear.

Find some confidence

Leeds have just one win in their previous six games now – following Saturday’s defeat to Southampton. Farke needs to stop the rot with immediate effect, with Leeds set to welcome Norwich to Elland Road later this month.

The Peacocks were poor on Saturday, they never truly looked like finding an equaliser against Southampton – and they were pretty lucky Ipswich won at such a canter on the East Anglian coast.

Farke has a job-and-a-half on his hands in the coming days.