Leeds United have been handed a boost ahead of their Championship opener against Portsmouth as John Mousinho has ruled out two players for the match next Saturday (10 August).
According to The News (4 August), Mousinho is optimistic that summer signing Josh Murphy will be available to travel to Elland Road, but confirmed he will be without Tom McIntyre and Jacob Farrell.
Daniel Farke has been handed a favourable opening to the 2024/25 campaign against newly promoted Portsmouth, and he will be looking for a winning start as Leeds aim for Premier League promotion this season.
Leeds United heavy favourites in Championship opener v Portsmouth
The Whites will be looking to put behind the madness of the transfer window as the Championship season begins next week.
Archie Gray and Crysencio Summerville have departed Elland Road this summer as last season’s play-off final defeat to Southampton is felt, but Leeds are positioned to win the second tier this term despite losing two key stars.
Leeds ended their pre-season with a 2-1 victory over Valencia on Saturday (August 3) and have no injuries heading into the new season, despite initial concerns regarding Jayden Bogle who hobbled off in the final friendly with a dead leg (Beren Cross, 3 August)
The pressure will be on the Whites to record an emphatic victory over the newly promoted side and send a statement of intent to their Championship rivals.
Farke’s side have a tough start in the new season and will face promotion rivals West Brom, Hull City and Norwich City as well as relegated sides Burnley and Sheffield United in their opening ten fixtures.
Leeds are massive favourites heading into their tie against Portsmouth and will be expected to blow the South Coast side away with arguably the best squad in the division.
Anything other than promotion to the Premier League will be a failure for Leeds this season. This opening fixture will provide an insight into their Championship credentials this season.