Leeds United promotion rivals verdict as two stand out in Premier League push

Leeds United will aim for promotion this season
-Credit: (Image: (Photo by Cameron Smith/Getty Images))


Leeds fell to an unwelcome 1-0 home defeat on Saturday as Burnley edged a close affair at Elland Road.

Despite several clear-cut chances, notably Mateo Joseph’s first-half strike that he arrived wide despite having just goalkeeper James Trafford to beat, the Whites could not muster an equaliser and fell to their first defeat of the season.

Burnley, a different outfit from their previous Championship winning campaign of 2022/23, cut a disciplined and efficient outfit under new boss Scott Parker. For Leeds, this was an unfortunate result but not the end of the world by any stretch of the imagination.

READ MORE:Brenden Aaronson opens up on his relationship with Daniel Farke and 'tough' Leeds United period

READ MORE:'More perspiration than inspiration' - Leeds United star put down in brutal assessment

The Lancashire side will be promotion hopefuls this time around but how are Leeds competitors faring? Below, Leeds Live provides the lowdown on Leeds’ promotion rivals…

Burnley

Despite a draw in the Lancashire derby against Blackburn and a disappointing defeat away against Sunderland, all the signs are there that the Clarets will once again be there or thereabouts. Head coach Parker has implemented his own style on the side but their emphasis on possession remains the same. Several new players have been added to the squad but experienced professionals, especially at this level, in Jay Rodriguez, Josh Brownhill, and ex-United loanee Connor Roberts, remain at the heart of Parker’s plans and could help Burnley bounce straight back up to the promised land.

Middlesbrough

Michael Carrick’s side have had a patchy start to the season with two wins, two draws, and a loss - against Derby County - so far. Their standout performance so far, as Leeds fans will recall, was at Elland Road in a 3-0 win over Daniel Farke’s side in the Carabao Cup. But their league form must improve soon if they are going to be serious promotion hopefuls. Scoring goals has proved difficult with just six in five games. Carrick will be hoping new men Ben Doak and Tommy Conway can hit form.

Sheffield United

The Blades have seen a huge turnover of players since being relegated from the Premier League last season. However, they will be in with a shout this term after a positive start with their most recent win away at Hull City showing exactly how threatening Chris Wilder’s side can be. They currently sit sixth with an impressive defensive record of three goals conceded in five games this season.

West Bromwich Albion

Last season’s play-off semi-finalists may come again this season and have started the season in near-perfect form with impressive wins at Portsmouth, Stoke, and QPR with the only blemish on their record coming at the hands of Leeds in a goalless at The Hawthorns in August. If striker Josh Maja (five goals and one assist) continues his form the Baggies could be in for a fun season - however, as ever, things can change quickly in such a volatile league.

Sunderland

The Black Cats are in fine form, winning four of their five Championship outings so far this term. Their only loss came in the dying embers of their game against Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth last weekend but the optimism will remain on Wearside for now. Twenty-one-year-old winger Romaine Mundle has impressed with three goals so far, Eliezar Mayenda’s form has also helped with two assists and two goals to his name for Regis Le Bris’ side. It is early in the season, but for such a big club, the time could be right for another push for promotion.

Luton Town

Despite the inevitable relegation from the Premier League, Hatters fans lived the dream, and last season will live long in the memory for many. However, this season has started in nightmarish fashion, with Rob Edwards’ side sitting in the precarious position of 19th with a single win for their efforts so far. Goals have proved hard to come by, with just three scored so far despite Carlton Morris - who scored 11 Premier League goals - failing to net so far.

Latest odds, from Bet 365, for teams to be promoted are below...

To win Championship

  • Leeds 13/8

  • Burnley 13/2

  • Middlesbrough 9/1

  • Sheffield United 10/1

  • West Brom 10/1

  • Sunderland 12/1

  • Luton 20/1

To be promoted

  • Leeds 2/5

  • Burnley 13/8

  • Middlesbrough 2/1

  • Sheffield United 12/5

  • Sunderland 5/2

  • West Brom 5/2

  • Luton 11/2

Odds correct at time of publishing via Bet 365