Football Season Guide

Having ended last season as the league’s finest attack with 96 goals scored in 46 games, Leeds won the Championship title on goal difference after finishing level on points (100) with Burnley. Despite goalkeeper inconsistencies, they conceded just 30 goals – the second-lowest tally in the league – and lost only four games. Lucas Perri has been signed from Lyon and he is expected to be an upgrade in goal. Sean Longstaff brings Premier League experience and Anton Stach has impressed in pre-season, forming a solid midfield duo. Leeds have both kept their backbone intact and beefed up their defence, but coach Daniel Farke has stressed that his attack needs to be strengthened too. Leeds opted for some tough friendlies against top sides such as Manchester United, Villarreal and Milan in their bid to prepare for a demanding campaign. Having maintained their 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 formation, they looked solid at the back but struggled to create upfront. That said, Leeds’ squad features Championship’s top scorer last season in Joel Piroe, with wingers Wilfried Gnonto and Dan James returning to the top flight having gained important experience. Leeds’ attack is their main strength, but it remains to be seen if they can deliver in the top flight. Meanwhile, their backline may have looked solid in the second tier, but it’s doubtful whether it boasts Premier League quality. Perri and left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson should be upgrades in theory, but their defence will be tested against some of the best attacks in Europe.