Leeds United will begin their Premier League campaign on Saturday when they travel to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest.
The Whites surprised plenty of doubters last season by securing their top-flight status with games to spare before finishing 14th in the final table.
Avoiding relegation and establishing themselves as a Premier League side remains the main objective this season, but Leeds also want to show that they are ready to take the next step.
Their summer recruitment has underlined the club’s ambition, and the trip to the City Ground will provide an early indication of how much progress Daniel Farke’s side have made over the summer.
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Supercomputer drops bizarre Forest vs Leeds prediction
Leeds United are expected to field their three new signings – Harry Wilson, Tarik Muharemovic, and James Trafford – in the starting eleven at the City Ground,
The club are also hoping to finalise a deal to sign Nico Elvedi in time for him to be part of the squad against Forest on Saturday.
However, Opta’s Supercomputer has termed Forest the favourites to get all three points against Leeds at the City Ground in the opening game of their season.
Forest have been given more than a 43 per cent chance of winning all three points, while Leeds are tipped to have just more than a 30 per cent chance of an away win in the opening weekend.
There is more than a 26 per cent chance of the two teams sharing the points at the City Ground.
The prediction is a little surprising as Oliver Glasner has indicated that he doesn’t expect his team to be completely ready for a test like Leeds on the opening day.
On the other hand, Leeds have looked sharp and ready during pre-season and beat Augsburg 4-0 at Elland Road last weekend.
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Is Europe a realistic target for Leeds this season?
European football should not be the expectation for Leeds United next season. The priority has to be establishing themselves in the Premier League and making sure they stay well clear of another relegation battle.
That does not mean Leeds cannot dream a little bigger. The club have shown plenty of ambition in the transfer market this summer and are expected to strengthen the squad further before the window closes.
With so many clubs around them spending heavily, even a top-half finish will be a difficult achievement. But Leeds showed plenty of resilience and character last season, and the squad looks stronger going into the new campaign.
If a few of the more established sides underperform and an opportunity opens up, Leeds could find themselves in the mix. A top-eight finish could potentially be enough for European football, and the Whites could be one of the teams ready to take advantage if the opportunity arises.
