It’s back to business for Leeds in the Championship on Sunday as Marcelo Bielsa gets ready to start his second season in charge.
There have been additions to the squad, most notably with the arrival of Helder Costa from Wolves, but the core of the team that came so close to promotion last season remains the same.
Another takeover from last season is the injury problems that have beset Leeds since Bielsa took over. Kemar Roofe is out for four weeks and Luke Ayling is recovering from ankle surgery. Tyler Roberts is also injured and Gaetano Berardi is suspended after his rash challenge in the play-off semi-final against Derby.
Putting aside the thrashing by Man United (and Leeds fielded a weakened side in that game) it’s been a decent pre-season from Leeds but this is where it all counts and there are easier first games than a trip to Ashton Gate.
Goalkeeper
We’re fully expecting Kiko Casilla to be the number one this season for Leeds, with Bailey Peacock-Farrell likely to be on the bench if he recovers from a slight knock.
Defenders
With Gaetano Berardi suspended we expect to see Liam Cooper and Ben White in the middle, with Barry Douglas on the left and Stuart Dallas on the right. Leeds fans were hoping another centre-back would be signed following the sales of Pontus Jansson and Aapo Halme but that’s looking unlikely now.
Midfielders
Kalvin Phillips is still at Leeds and if he lines up on Sunday against Bristol City it will be a huge relief for Leeds fans who were scared he would move on this summer. Adam Forshaw and Pablo Hernandez should take the more forward positions.
Attackers
Sunday’s game should give Leeds fans their first glimpse of exciting new signing Helder Costa on the right wing. He terrorised the Championship with Wolves when he first moved to Molineux and if he can rediscover his best form he will provide a big threat going forward for Bielsa. Jack Harrison should start on the left wing with Patrick Bamford up top. Tyler Roberts and Kemar Roofe are injured.
Key battle
Bristol City’s top scorer last season Famara Diédhiou will be keen to get off to a fast start on Sunday in front of his home fans and he’ll prove a test to new Leeds centre-back Ben White. White hasn’t played above League One yet and the 6ft2in striker will be looking to capitalise on his inexperience.
TIF Verdict
This won’t be easy. Bielsa said last season of his opponents, “it’s very difficult to beat them” [LeedsLive] but he’ll be desperate for the three points that would see the 19/20 campaign get off to a fast start. It’s easy to lose ground early on in the Championship and Leeds will be keen to live up to their reputation as favourites for the title. We think they’ll have too much for Bristol City.
Bristol City 0 – 2 Leeds
This is the starting XI we expect to see line-up against Bristol City on Sunday:
