Leeds United, Burnley secure promotion back to EPL

Burnley and Leeds United have gained promotion back to the English Premier League (EPL) from the Championship on Monday.

Burnley return to the EPL at the first time of asking, while Leeds will be a part of the EPL next season after two seasons away from the pinnacle of English football.

Led by Scott Parker, Burnley defeated Sheffield United 2-1 to seal promotion while extending their unbeaten championship run to 31 matches.

The Clarets’ win also ensured that first-placed Leeds United sealed their automatic spot, with both clubs tied on 94 points with two matches still to play in the season to determine the champions.

Leeds United had thrashed Stoke City 6-0 earlier in the day.

Leeds, who lost the Championship playoff final to Southampton last season, have a superior goal difference over Burnley – 14 goals – and the Whites have the chance to become champions with victories over Bristol City and Plymouth Argyle in their final two matches.

Burnley ensured promotion with two goals by Josh Brownhill, the midfielder who buried a left-foot piledriver before converting a 44th-minute penalty to regain the lead for Burnley.

His 16th goal of the season would become the eventual winner that sent Burnley supporters into celebration mode.

Both clubs would have a Herculean task on their hands in the EPL next season, with Southampton and Leicester City, promoted from the Championship last season, already confirmed as relegated back to the second tier of English football, while Ipswich, the third promoted club, is on the brink of joining the duo.

The last six clubs promoted to the EPL, and 10 of the past 15, have suffered immediate relegation back to the Championship.