After a 16 year absence that included some desperate times under the ownerships of Ken Bates and Massimo Cellino, Leeds United are finally back in the top-flight of English football.
After so long in the football wilderness, the Elland Road hierarchy will be determined to do everything possible to ensure that the club is able to compete at the highest level. The early signs are definitely encouraging.
Moreno Means Business
With a club record deal for Valencia and Spain striker Rodrigo Moreno seemingly all but done and dusted at the time of writing, the focus now appears to have switched to signing Freiburg’s 24 year-old central defender Robert Koch to shore up the defence.
Rodrigo Moreno, in particular, would be a real statement signing which signals that Leeds are aiming at more than mere survival in their first season back among the elite. The Spanish international will certainly lessen the burden on Patrick Bamford, who was the main striker for Leeds throughout last season in contributing 16 goals.
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The bookies tend to agree, with the best available odds on Leeds United ‘To Stay Up’ being just 1/5 with bet365 bookmakers.
In terms of relegation, Leeds can be backed at betting odds of 4/1 with William Hill for an immediate return to the Championship. Few will anticipate that under Marcelo Bielsa, who has galvanised the club with a sense of self-belief since his appointment two years ago.
There are numerous pre-season betting markets available on Leeds United and the Premier League in general at present and there are a vast range of online bookies to select from. There is now more competition that ever in the betting industry and it would be a mistake to think that they are all much of a muchness. There can be huge variations with regards to odds, available markets, promotions, customer service, etc. It’s always worth looking to find Paddy Power, bet365 and more bookmakers reviews.
In At The Deep End
The season begins for Leeds with a tough trip to Anfield to take on the Premier League champions. You couldn’t ask for a tougher start but, for those donning rose-tinted glasses, the draw can be backed at odds of 11/2 with Betway, while a Leeds victory is available at an appealing 21/2 with BetVictor.
Whatever the result against Liverpool, there is now a momentum at Leeds that suggests they will more than hold their own in the Premier League. There is still a need for greater strength in depth, but Bielsa prefers working with a relatively small squad of players and putting faith in the youth where necessary, so don’t expect a sudden late influx of expensive signings.
There are plenty of reasons to be optimistic for fans as the new campaign approaches. Leeds United are back in the big time, and they’re not there to just make up the numbers.
