LEEDS UNITED begin their 2024-25 Championship campaign with a home clash against newly promoted Portsmouth. Home form was important for Leeds last season and they will be looking to make a statement against Pompey.
Leeds United went all the way to the playoffs last season where they lost 1-0 to Southampton in the final. They will be looking to go one better this time around and will hope to lay the foundation with a solid start at home.
Manager Daniel Farke has managed to hold on to most of his squad, with Crysencio Summerville the only departure. They won their two preseason fixtures, claiming a 3-0 victory over Harrogate before beating La Liga side Valencia 2-1 in their final warm-up fixture.
Portsmouth are back in the Championship having last played in the competition in 2012. They spent some time below the second tier but emerged champions of League One last season to secure promotion.
Pre-season was pretty decent for Portsmouth, who suffered just one defeat from five friendly matches. However, that defeat came in their final warm-up fixture as John Mousinho’s men were beaten 2-0 by League one side Charlton Athletic.
How the bookies view it: Leeds overwhelming favourites
Leeds United have been installed as overwhelming favourites with a home win priced at 4/11 by Betfred. An unlikely victory for Portsmouth is valued at 7/1 while Betfred is also offering odds of 4/1 for a draw.
Head to head: Closely fought encounters
Leeds United have a 13-12 advantage with 11 draws from 36 previous matches against Portsmouth. The last meeting was a Championship clash in 2011, with Leeds claiming a 1-0 victory at Elland Road.
Players to watch: Bamford worth a look
Patrick Bamford was plagued by injuries last season and will be hoping to avoid all of that this term. A fit Bamford is likely to be vital for Leeds United and the striker could be worth keeping an eye on to score anytime at 13/10 with Betfred.
Kusini Yengi will be the one to watch for Portsmouth. The forward scored nine goals last season and is priced at 4/1 by Betfred to get in the score sheet on Saturday.
Probable line-ups
The central defensive partnership of Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu was pivotal for Leeds United last season and both men should start on Saturday. Georginio Rutter and Wilfried Gnonto should also feature in attack alongside Patrick Bamford.
Portsmouth will be without Colby Bishop, who is set for a routine heart surgery. Kusini Yengi should feature in attack while Zak Swanson and Conor Shaughnessy are expected to line up in midfield.
Leeds United: Meslier, Bogle, Ampadu, Rodon, Firpo, Gruev, Rothwell, Rutter, Gnonto, Piroe, Bamford
Portsmouth: Norris, Ogilvie, Williams, Poole, Tower, Moxon, Shaughnessy, Swanson, Murphy, Silvera, Lane, Yengi
Anything else catch the eye?
Leeds United and Portsmouth have some attacking quality and both teams could be backed to score at 4/5 with Betfred. Over 3.5 goals could also be considered at 11/8 with Betfred.
With Leeds United expected to be dominant on Saturday, they could be backed to score in both halves at 19/20 with Betfred. Given the minimal odds for a straight home victory, a win and both teams to score could be considered at 9/5 with Betfred.
This England Championship match between Leeds United and Portsmouth will be played on Aug 10, 2024 and kick off at 12:30. Check below for our tipsters best Leeds United vs Portsmouth prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
