Can Leeds United Continue to Build Positive Momentum?

Though the win was a sloppy one at best for Leeds United, the result against Preston North End could just be what the Whites need. Hosting MK Dons, Derby County and playing at Nottingham Forest all in a seven day period, this year's holiday fixtures are make or break matches for the club.

Looking at the three matches, Leeds United should walk away with no less than five points, with seven being extremely possible for the Whites. While both MK Dons and Nottingham Forest are on level ground with Leeds in the table, the match at Elland Road against Derby County could easily serve the Whites with at least a draw.

Now, many may be asking, why are these three matches so important? What's the big deal that make these matches make or break for the Whites? With Leeds languishing back in 13th place in the table, the Whites need to make a move now if they want to find themselves with a shot at promotion this season.

While the Whites may only trail Ipswich Town by eight points with a game in hand for the final playoff spot, that gap could become much larger this week should the Whites once again fail to live up to their potential. In fact, should the Whites secure four points or less, that gap could easily double.

In truth, while mathematically not all will be lost for Leeds United should they fail to find their form this week, their chance at the playoffs will likely be shot. We must also not forget about the other clubs around Leeds who could make a run at the very same playoff positions.

Fulham, QPR, Brentford, and Cardiff are just a small sample of clubs that have the potential and the resources to improve in January and make a run at promotion in the second half. With all of these clubs unlikely to suffer bad runs of form in the second half, building positive momentum now is a must for the Whites.

If Leeds fail to do so this week, promotion hopes will likely be lost as well as the possibility of a relegation battle at Elland Road becoming a reality before the campaigns end.

Can Leeds United succeed this week and begin to grow some momentum in the second half or will the Whites continue to falter and risk entering a relegation battle for the latter half of the campaign?