'We're not delusional' - Portsmouth new boy fires warning to Leeds United ahead of league opener

A trip to Leeds United on the opening weekend of the 2024/25 Championship season is one that excites rather than worries Portsmouth summer recruit Jordan Williams. The League One champions will visit Elland Road on Saturday, August 10 looking to cause a major upset.

The bookmakers have installed the Whites as the favourites to win the league. Daniel Farke's side finished third in the table after accumulating 90 points last term but were pipped to automatic promotion by Leicester City and Ipswich Town. Southampton consigned United to another year in the second tier of English football after beating the West Yorkshire outfit 1-0 in the play-off final at Wembley.

While United will be looking to go one better when the real stuff gets under way next month, it will be the first time Pompey have played in the second tier since 2012. Williams, a free transfer recruit from Barnsley, said: ‘It’s a brilliant first game and I’ve had a few messages from a few friends who are Leeds fans. They’re one of the biggest teams in the division and the crowd will be rolling for the first game. Hopefully the sun shines and we can put on a display for our fans.

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"It doesn’t matter who we play at this level, whoever we play in the Championship will be a big side in their own right. We certainly are, so it’s just about us trying be ambitious and having no fear.

"We’re not delusional, it’s going to be tough at times this season. There’s going to lows and highs - we’re going to need our fans through the highs and the lows.

"This is what we’re in football for. We want to play in the biggest stadiums in front of a lot of fans and best players we can. It’s going to be an intriguing game and intriguing season."