Andy Hinchcliffe has confessed that he would be surprised if Leeds United did not finish in the top six in the Championship this season, despite the “major problem” that high expectations entail.
The analyst answered questions on the Sky Sports Live EFL Blog [8 August, 1:25] and shared his thoughts on Leeds ahead of the 2024/25 Championship season.
Leeds missed out on Premier League promotion last season after losing in the play-off final to Southampton.
He stated, “It would be surprising if Leeds did not finish in the top six.”
“There’s sure to be concern when you lose two of your finest players, Archie Gray and Crysencio Summerville.
“I still believe that if they can have Patrick Bamford totally healthy for the entire season, it will be a great benefit. Joe Rothwell is an excellent attacking midfield addition, and Pascal Struijk is also returning to fitness, so Ethan Ampadu may be able to play in midfield.
“I believe Leeds have a strong enough group to challenge. The main issue they may have is expectations from last season.
“They showed a lot of mental strength last season; they’ll need to show it again.
“I’ll be amazed if they’re not at the very least in the top six.”
Leeds United are favourites for promotion despite major sales.
The disappointment of last season’s play-off final defeat hit Leeds hard this summer. Another season in the second tier saw Archie Gray and Crysencio Summerville leave for Premier League clubs Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United, respectively.
Daniel Farke has only a few weeks left in the transfer market to boost his side for the new season, but the team is still in excellent shape ahead of the season opener against Portsmouth on Saturday (10 August).
Several players from the team that was demoted from the top league in the 2022/23 season are still around. The Whites’ experience should help them achieve their promotion goals this season.
Gray and Summerville’s losses will be felt, though. Gray was the third generation of his family to wear the Leeds shirt, and Summerville scored 20 league goals last season; such goals will have to be found elsewhere in the squad.
It is absurd to expect United to buy a player capable of matching the Dutchman’s goal totals on their own. Mateo Joseph’s promotion to the first team should alleviate the pressure, but this is not a situation that can be solved quickly.
Leeds began the Championship season as favourites to win the division (Opta Analyst), and rightly so. A few more quality arrivals could improve their chances, but the group is more than capable of achieving automatic promotion this season.
