Preview
Last season was underwhelming for both Leeds United and Stoke City. While the former were unable to make their presence felt in the race for promotion to the Premier League, the latter were one of the 3 teams to get relegated to the second division.
The Whites and the Potters are due to face each other on Sunday at the Elland Road in their first league outing of the season. With both the clubs keen to muster a serious challenge for promotion, a good start to the new season will give the fans a lot of optimism.
Under the tutelage of Marcelo Bielsa, the home side have made some shrewd moves by signing quality players like Patrick Bamford, Barry Douglas and Lewis Baker. It will be intriguing to see how the newcomers gel with their new teammates.
Meanwhile, Rowett has also had a busy summer so far, luring the likes of Benik Afobe, Kyle Bartley, Tom Ince and James McClean to the bet365 Stadium. On paper, Stoke City do look formidable and it wouldn’t be easy for the Peacocks to outclass them.
The pre-season friendlies didn’t go much in favour of Gary Rowett’s men as the 0-3 win against Walsall was their only win. Leeds United, on the other hand, are set to face Stoke City on the back of a couple of friendly wins against Guiseley and Las Palmas.
Leeds United Team News
Pontus Jansson returned to training this week after his World Cup commitments with Sweden. He is set to miss the opening fixture alongside Adam Forshaw who will be out for around eight weeks owing to his foot injury.
Stoke City Team News
Jack Butland started to train last week and is expected to feature. However, Stoke City are unsure about the availability of Erik Pieters who is enduring a quad strain and a late call will be made on him.
Possible Starting XI
Leeds United (4-2-3-1): Bailey Peacock-Farrell; Luke Ayling, Liam Cooper, Tom Pearce, Barry Douglas; Kalvin Phillips, Lewis Baker; Pablo Hernandez, Samuel Saiz, Ezgjan Alioski; Kemar Roofe.
Stoke City (4-3-3): Jack Butland; Moritz Bauer, Ryan Shawcross, Bruno Martins Indi, Erik Pieters; Badou Ndiaye, Joe Allen, Oghenekaro Etebo; Tom Ince, Benik Afobe, James McClean.
MAEPL’s Prediction
The fixture promises to be a nail-biting one as both the clubs are well-equipped and will be looking to change their fortunes this season. There could be plenty of goals and we fancy Leeds United to win by 3-2.
Odds
Leeds United Win: 17/10
Draw: 9/4
Stoke City Win: 17/10