Leeds United: A welcome addition to the Premier League?

After 17 years out of the Premier League, Leeds United are all but putting an end to this, having lost the play-off semi-final last campaign.

The lockdown break seems to have hindered some teams, whilst rejuvenating others. Leeds have had mixed results, but in true Bielsa fashion, they have continued to dominate the games without putting them to bed.

However, a strong 3-0 home victory over fellow promotion hopefuls Fulham before a last-minute winner against Swansea thanks to one of their key players, Pablo Hernandez, has all but confirmed their long-awaited return to the Premier League.

Leeds are now as short as 1/6 to win the Championship, suggesting it is almost a done deal.

And what a welcome addition the sleeping giant will be for the Premier League. The club, hated by many, will definitely ruffle some feathers in the top flight. Their huge fan base, a squad already capable of competing in the Premier League and Marco Bielsa at the wheel, are all huge factors as to why Leeds United will make perfect viewing for the neutral fan.

The play-offs have yet to be confirmed, however Brentford and Fulham are the favourites to join Leeds United if they are to finish out of the automatic places. Championship betting suggests Nottingham Forest, who beat Leeds this campaign, are another sleeping giant who will have to wait their turn to return back to the promise land.

But for now, it is all about Leeds United. Bielsa's side have won 25 out of their 43 league games to date, at least two or three wins more than any other teams in the play-off places. 

It was Frank Lampard's Derby County who pulled off an astonishing comeback in the play-off semi-finals last season, which ended with fans wondering if Bielsa would stay for a second season - and boy are they glad he did.

The two games left a bitter taste in the mouths of many Leeds United fans, who look likely to have the last laugh, as Leeds face Derby on the last game of the season, potentially having to give Bielsa and his side a guard of honour for winning the title and achieving promotion.

There have been many debates in recent times about the fact that the Premier League has lost its spark, with several smaller teams reaching the top flight before the likes of Leeds United. Leeds fans travel in numbers and it's safe to say they pack out Elland Road on a weekly basis, which could be vital if Leeds are to survive in their first season back.

It has been a long 17-year wait, but Leeds fans who have stuck through two relegations and play-offs heart ache may just about have their turn in the spotlight. With just one left to secure promotion, the Premier League will have to make room for a giant in the footballing world.

Leeds United may be about to show the rest of the world as to why they are one of the biggest football teams in England, and the Premier League has certainly missed them.