Leeds United assured of key rivals dropping points before Cardiff City clash

Leeds have given themselves a seven-point cushion in the automatic promotion spots following five-straight wins and United will now see third-placed Fulham host fourth-placed Brentford tonight.

Scott Parker's Cottagers line up four points ahead of Thomas Frank's Bees and following just one defeat in their last 11 league games through the shock 3-0 reverse at home to Barnsley.

Fulham had to settle for a 1-1 draw at Bristol City in their last outing following back-to-back home wins against Swansea City and Preston North End.

Brentford, meanwhile, approached last weekend's hosting of Sheffield Wednesday following a frustrating run of four draws and one defeat but bounced back to hammer the Owls 5-0 as a Josh Da Silva double was supported by strikes from Emiliano Marcondes, Bryan Mbeumo and Tarique Fosu-Henry.

The bookies are finding it hard to split the two with Brentford actually marginal favourites at a best-priced 17-10 with Fulham on offer at 7-4 despite home advantage.

But from United's perspective, one if not both will drop points as part of a weekend when Leeds will play last with Sunday's 1pm kick-off at ninth-placed Cardiff City.

Second-placed West Brom, who start the weekend one point behind Leeds, have a second city derby at home to Birmingham City on Saturday lunch-time.

Fifth-placed but out of form Nottingham Forest are away at Sheffield Wednesday for a Saturday 3pm kick-off.

Leeds, meanwhile, have their destiny well and truly in their own hands but also know that one way or the other, one of their chief rivals will definitely drop points this weekend.

Leeds United's Ones To Watch

TONIGHT

7.45pm: Fulham (3rd) v Brentford (4th)

TOMORROW

12.30pm: West Brom (2nd) v Birmingham City (16th)

3pm: Sheffield Wednesday (15th) v Nottingham Forest (5th)