Leeds United v PortsmouthSaturday 10th August@12:30 | Elland RoadLeeds kick-off their 24/25 Championship campaign with the visit of newly promoted Portsmouth, after twelve years in the lower league wilderness.
There'll be no excuses this time around for Daniel Farke, who, with a full year under his belt, will be expected to deliver automatic promotion or face the ultimate consequence. During this time, he's chopped away at the squad, relieving the club of over half their players!
In have come Joe Rothwell (on loan) Jayden Bogle and Alex Cairns, whilst Joe Rodon has re-joined the Whites, albeit permanently. Brenden Arronson and Max Wober return to Elland Road twelve months after deserting their club. They'll have to work hard to earn their place back!
We've seen casualties too; most noticeably Cree Summerville, Archie Gray and Glen Kamara. It's fair to say Farke has better strength in depth compared to last season. He will need to utilise his substitutions better this season if Leeds stand a chance of automatic promotion.
Farke has no new injury concerns to worry about. Patrick Bamford is back to first team training, and should make the bench against Portsmouth, with Joseph expecting to lead the line. Jaiden Bogle, who limped off during Leeds 2-1 victory over Valencia has shaken off his dead leg and should start.
Portsmouth have had a busy Summer preparing for life back in the Championship, and have bought in a host of new faces including veteran full-back/winger Matt Ritchie, who returns to the club where it all began as an 8yo!
The last time these two teams met (Feb 2012), Neil Warnock had just replaced Simon Grayson at the helm and Ken Bates was our owner. Twelve years on, Leeds are undoubtedly in a better place; only time will tell whether (come May) they can reach their ultimate goal!
