Leeds United vs. Portsmouth: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

Of all the opening weekend fixtures in the Championship, this is one of the more straightforward predictions. Expect goals in this one as Leeds are unbeaten in their last four against Portsmouth, and the Over 2.5 market has landed in four of Leeds's last five.

Georginio Rutter provided 21 goal contributions last season, averaging 0.8 shots on target per game, so expect the forward to contribute for Leeds in this game. Joel Piroe could prove to be the difference maker for Leeds as well as Rutter. Piroe scored 13 in 31 last season, averaging 1.9 shots per game & 0.8 on target.

Junior Firpo committed 0.9 fouls per game last season, receiving six yellow cards. Owen Moxon received 12 yellow cards for Portsmouth last season, averaging 1.2 fouls per game.

Pompey should provide a solid test, but they can't come close to the quality that Leeds possess so we expect a resounding win for the Peacocks here. Leeds 3-1 Portsmouth.

The opening weekend of the new Championship season brings with it an exciting clash between Leeds United and Portsmouth.

• Date: 10/08/2024
• Kick-off time: 12:30
• Location: Elland Road, Leeds

Leeds United had a season to remember last year, although it ended in heartbreak. Finishing third in the Championship with an impressive 90 points, Leeds narrowly missed out on automatic promotion. The margin between success and disappointment was razor-thin, with the team just falling short of securing a direct path back to the Premier League. The pain was compounded by their failure in the playoffs, losing 1-0 to Southampton in the final at Wembley.

Despite the disappointment, there is an air of optimism surrounding Leeds as they enter the new season. Bookmakers have pegged them as firm favourites for promotion, and the team is determined to live up to those expectations. With a passionate fan base and a squad filled with talent, Leeds United are poised to make another push for the Premier League.

The summer transfer window has been a period of mixed emotions for Leeds fans. The club has seen some significant departures, which have raised questions about the squad's strength compared to last season. Teenage sensation Archie Gray has left for Tottenham Hotspur, taking with him the promise of future brilliance. Midfielder Glen Kamara has joined Rennes, while last season's player of the year, Crysensio Summerville, has moved to West Ham.

However, Leeds have also made some astute signings to bolster their squad. Joe Rodon's loan move from Spurs has been made permanent, providing stability and experience in defence. Right-back Jaden Bogle has arrived from Sheffield United, bringing versatility and dynamism to the backline. Additionally, Joe Rothwell has joined on loan from Bournemouth, adding creativity and energy to the midfield. While these signings are positive, there is a prevailing sentiment that the squad is not as strong as it was at the start of last season.

The transfer window remains open, and Leeds are expected to make further additions to the squad. The club's management is actively seeking reinforcements to ensure they have the depth and quality needed to compete at the top of the Championship.

As the new season kicks off, all eyes will be on young striker Mateo Joseph. The promising forward showed glimpses of his potential in the latter half of last season, and there is a growing belief that he is ready to make a significant impact. Fans were frustrated with manager Daniel Farke's reluctance to give Joseph more game time, but there is a sense that this season will be his breakout year.

Midfielder Brenden Aaronson's return from his loan spell at Union Berlin is also a source of excitement for Leeds supporters. Aaronson is expected to play a crucial role in the team's midfield, providing an abundance of energy in the top half of the pitch.

Portsmouth's return to the Championship marks a significant milestone in their journey back to the upper echelons of English football. Last season, they finished top of League One, sealing promotion in style. The achievement was a testament to the hard work and determination of the players and coaching staff, as well as the unwavering support of the fans.

The promotion has reignited the passion and excitement around the club, with supporters eagerly anticipating their team's performances in the Championship. Portsmouth have a rich history, and their return to the second tier is a step towards reclaiming their place among the elite.

Portsmouth have approached the summer transfer window with a clear strategy: to strengthen their squad while maintaining the core group that achieved promotion. The club's management has made several shrewd acquisitions to bolster key positions and add depth to the team.

Centre-back Jordan Williams has joined from Barnsley, bringing solidity and leadership to the defence. Left-back Jacob Farrell, signed from Central Coast Mariners, offers versatility and attacking prowess on the flanks. Winger Elias Sørensen, acquired from Esbjerg, and winger Josh Murphy, formerly of Oxford United, provide additional attacking options and creativity in wide areas.

While Portsmouth have made significant additions, they have also faced setbacks in their transfer dealings. Their attempts to secure forward Abu Kamara, who was excellent on loan at the club last season, on a permanent deal from Norwich City were unsuccessful, which is a blow to their attacking plans. However, the club remains committed to finding solutions and strengthening their squad before the transfer window closes.

Under the guidance of promising young manager John Mousinho, Portsmouth are aiming for a mid-table finish in their first season back in the Championship. Mousinho has instilled a sense of belief and ambition within the squad, and there is a genuine belief that they can compete at this level.

Mousinho's tactical acumen and ability to motivate his players were key factors in Portsmouth's successful promotion campaign. He has fostered a strong team spirit and a winning mentality, which will be crucial as they navigate the challenges of the Championship.

The manager's vision for the team is clear: to play an attractive brand of football while remaining defensively organised and resilient. Portsmouth's style of play is characterised by quick transitions, high pressing, and an emphasis on attacking with width. This approach has endeared them to the fans and will be crucial in their quest for success in the Championship.

This game will be aired live to all subscribed U.K viewers on Sky Sports +.

Leeds Team News:

Jaden Bogle suffered a knock against Valencia in preseason, but manager Daniel Farke has claimed it was little more than a dead leg so he'll be free to make his competitive debut for the club.

Farke will likely opt with as much continuity as possible here, with new signing Joe Rothwell likely to start on the bench.

Predicted lineup: Meslier; Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Firpo; Ampadu, Gruev; James, Rutter, Gnonto; Joseph.

Portsmouth Team News:

Portsmouth will enter the season with a fairly new-look side as the likes of Jordan Williams, Josh Murphy and Samuel Silvera all prepare to make their competitive debuts.

Kusini Yengi will lead the line up top, as he faces a huge season with a tonne of goalscoring responsibility.

Predicted lineup: Norris; Swanson, Williams, Shaughnessy, Ogilvie; Moxon, Lowery; Lane, Silvera, Murphy; Yengi.

Leeds really tailed off towards the back end of last season in almost calamitous fashion. In their final five games, Leeds were beaten 4-0 by Queens Park Rangers and 1-2 by Southampton, before entering the playoffs and drawing 0-0 with Norwich, beating Norwich 4-0 and losing 0-1 to Southampton.

Leeds have, though, been impressive in preseason, beating the likes of Harrogate Town (3-0), Schalke 04 (2-0), Hannover 96 (4-0) and Valencia (2-1).

Portsmouth's end to the League One season was strong in terms of results, with Pompey recording wins against Shrewsbury Town (3-1), Barnsley (3-2) and Lincoln CIty (2-0) on the final day of the season, with a 1-1 draw with Bolton Wanderers and a 1-2 loss to Wigan Athletic wedged in between those results.

Preseason has seen a mixed bag of results for Portsmouth who have beaten Gosport Borough (3-1), Havant & Waterlooville (3-0) and Bognor Regis Town (2-0), while drawing 1-1 with MK Dons and losing 2-0 to Charlton Athletic.

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