Powerpoint presentations and accusations of espionage may have dominated the headlines around Leeds United in the last week, but the most important news coming from Elland Road has seen them plug the one weakness that could have prolonged their 15 year exile from the Premier League.

Despite boasting the joint second best defensive record in the Championship, conceding 28 goals in 27 games, the merits of 22-year old stopper Bailey Peacock-Farrell have rightly been scrutinised throughout the campaign.

Leeds face on average the fewest shots faced per game in the league, with Pontus Jansson and Liam Cooper arguable the stars of their season so far.

In key games against Swansea and Aston Villa Peacock-Farrell made critical errors leading to goals, and Marcelo Bielsa even admitted that he was set to bring loanee Jamal Blackman into the team had he not suffered a serious injury.

Amongst the Bielsa ‘spygate’ circus, they have managed to secure the signing of Real Madrid goalkeeper Kiko Casilla, which could prove to be one of the most important January moves.

Reports from Spain suggest that he is a more than capable keeper with a wealth of La Liga experience, but it is the sheer step up in class in a key position here which should gain Leeds the valuable points to get home in front come May.

With an established no.1 between the sticks you’d assume that Leeds’ solid defence will only improve, with the senior pro’s not having cover for the rookie behind them.

The eccentric manager has proven himself already this season as a coach on a different level to his divisional rivals.

The likes of Kalvin Phillips and Kemar Roofe have improved beyond recognition under Bielsa’s tutelage and the speed at which his squad, who are by no means the most technically gifted group of players in the Championship, have adopted his high-intensity approach is testament to the work done on the training ground.

This is not stellar season for English football’s second tier; I doubt either these Norwich or Sheffield United sides would have challenged for the top spots in the previous few renewals, and Leeds have continued to pick up points despite injury troubles throughout the season.

Leeds already have a four-point cushion at the top of the table and we can expect the odds-against on them to win the Championship to distant memory before too long.

Winnable away ties at Stoke and Rotherham precede the big clash Norwich on 2nd Feb, so take the value at 11/10 about Bielsa’s men now that the only justifiable weakness has been remedied before the inevitable market shift.