In what might be another intense match between the two teams, Leeds United will travel to Portsmouth on Sunday.
On the first day of the 2024–25 season, Leeds United hosted Portsmouth. The Whites were starting the new season after losing the previous season’s play-off final, and Portsmouth had just risen from League One.
At Elland Road, it was anticipated to be a one-sided event. Portsmouth, however, held their own well, drawing 3-3 and sending a message to the Championship that they are here to play.
And in the last few weeks, they have done precisely that. John Mousinho’s team moved up to 17th place in the Championship standings after winning three straight before losing to Luton Town last time out.
Despite a 1-1 tie with West Brom last time out, Leeds is still in first place and has a three-point advantage at the top. The team led by Daniel Farke has won all 17 of its league games.
What John Mousinho, the manager of Portsmouth, actually believes about Leeds United
Speaking to the media ahead of the weekend, Pompey manager Mousinho shared his opinions on Leeds and their season thus far, emphasizing their successful campaign following their heartbreaking loss to Southampton in the play-off final last year.
“They are the league’s best team,” Mousinho declared. Everyone seems to agree there, I believe. I believe they’ve had an incredible season, especially after losing a few of their key players and losing in the previous season’s play-off final.
“This season has been just amazing. They’ve gotten stronger and stronger. A strong team with excellent players, a strong system, and skilled coaching clearly creates a formidable force at the top of the league.
The management record of Daniel Farke versus Portsmouth
Farke has never managed a game at Fratton Park and has only faced Portsmouth twice in his managerial career.
In his first match against Portsmouth as Leeds manager, his team drew with Pompey at the beginning of the season. Farke’s Norwich City lost the FA Cup to Portsmouth 1-0 at home in 2019.
Therefore, Farke might have his first victory over Pompey this weekend. However, Mousinho’s team comes into this match in strong form, and their performance at Elland Road earlier in the season will boost their confidence going into Sunday’s match.
Leeds United may have a very tough time on Sunday because of that and the home crowd. ITV 1 will broadcast live coverage of the game, which begins at 12 p.m.
