Next four games expectations
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After a two year wait, Leeds United finally kicked off back in the Premier League, but now just three games in, it all stops for an international break so we can all watch a turgid England side scrape past lowly Andorra. After the three of an opening weekend victory over Everton, the disappointment of getting spanked by Arsenal and a hard fought draw against Newcastle, it gives us time to reflect on where we stand and look ahead to the upcoming games. Leeds now face a crucial run of fixtures that could define their early-season trajectory. After the break, Leeds meet Fulham, Wolves, Bournemouth and Tottenham, four very different challenges that could be a good opportunity to get some points on the board.
This season, the Cottagers have begun cautiously, recording a pair of 1–1 draws. Their summer recruitment has been understated: goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte arrived, Samuel Chukwueze offers extra attacking flair on loan, and teenage prospect Jonah Kusi-Asare provides depth. The loss of Andreas Pereira will have left a creative hole but a club-record deadline day deal to sign Shakhtar Donetsk winger Kevin sees them strengthen ahead of out fixture.
For Leeds, Craven Cottage presents a genuine chance to pick up points. A tight match is likely, but with Fulham yet to click into gear, Leeds could leave London with a draw or even a narrow win if their attacking play sharpens. But of course this is Leeds and we never win in London, a Rodrigo Muniz hat-trick is probably nailed on with Leeds having failed to land the Brazilian striker this summer.
Unsurprisingly, they’ve started this campaign in dismal fashion. Three straight defeats, just two goals scored, and eight conceded leave them bottom of the table. Molineux has already grown restless, and confidence is in short supply. For Leeds, this fixture feels like a golden opportunity. An away win in the Premier League is never straightforward, but Wolves’ frailties make this perhaps the most winnable of Leeds’ September fixtures.
The transfer window, however, was turbulent. While they signed talent such as Adrien Truffert, Djordje Petrovic and Amine Adli, they also lost key defensive pieces including Milos Kerkez and Dean Huijsen. That disruption at the back could prove costly. For Leeds, the Elland Road clash promises to be lively. Bournemouth will attack, leaving space to exploit, but Leeds must be wary of their energy and direct play. If Leeds can catch them on the counter they are capable of at least a point, and possibly more if their finishing improves.
Early signs are that it’s paying off, as Spurs have made a strong start to the new season. With renewed energy and attacking depth, they look far more dangerous than the side that flirted with relegation last spring. Leeds will host them at Elland Road in front of a passionate home crowd, but this is likely the toughest test of the upcoming run. A draw would represent an excellent outcome; a win would be a statement. Spurs’ quality means Leeds may have to settle for damage limitation.
How many points do you expect us to pick up before the next international break?
Fulham (Craven Cottage, 13th September)
Fulham were comfortably mid-table last season, finishing 11th with 54 points and a perfectly balanced goal record of 54 scored and 54 conceded. Marco Silva’s side were steady if unspectacular, securing safety with weeks to spare but never threatening Europe. Their compact and organised approach, reliant on moments from creative midfielders, made them a difficult side to break down.This season, the Cottagers have begun cautiously, recording a pair of 1–1 draws. Their summer recruitment has been understated: goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte arrived, Samuel Chukwueze offers extra attacking flair on loan, and teenage prospect Jonah Kusi-Asare provides depth. The loss of Andreas Pereira will have left a creative hole but a club-record deadline day deal to sign Shakhtar Donetsk winger Kevin sees them strengthen ahead of out fixture.
For Leeds, Craven Cottage presents a genuine chance to pick up points. A tight match is likely, but with Fulham yet to click into gear, Leeds could leave London with a draw or even a narrow win if their attacking play sharpens. But of course this is Leeds and we never win in London, a Rodrigo Muniz hat-trick is probably nailed on with Leeds having failed to land the Brazilian striker this summer.
Wolverhampton Wanderers (Moulinex, 20th September)
Few clubs have had a tougher time than Wolves over the past year. Last season, they finished 16th, scraping survival with just 42 points. They struggled badly for goals, and their defensive record left them vulnerable. The summer brought further problems, with Matheus Cunha sold for over £60m to Manchester United, Rayan Aït-Nouri and Fábio Silva also departing. In all, Wolves raised around £120m but failed to reinvest meaningfully in the squad.Unsurprisingly, they’ve started this campaign in dismal fashion. Three straight defeats, just two goals scored, and eight conceded leave them bottom of the table. Molineux has already grown restless, and confidence is in short supply. For Leeds, this fixture feels like a golden opportunity. An away win in the Premier League is never straightforward, but Wolves’ frailties make this perhaps the most winnable of Leeds’ September fixtures.
Bournemouth (Elland Road, 27th September)
Bournemouth were one of the stories of last season, finishing nonth in what was their best-ever Premier League campaign. Under Andoni Iraola, the Cherries played fearless, high-intensity football, pressing opponents relentlessly and attacking with pace. They entered the summer hoping to strengthen further and consolidate themselves as a top-half club.The transfer window, however, was turbulent. While they signed talent such as Adrien Truffert, Djordje Petrovic and Amine Adli, they also lost key defensive pieces including Milos Kerkez and Dean Huijsen. That disruption at the back could prove costly. For Leeds, the Elland Road clash promises to be lively. Bournemouth will attack, leaving space to exploit, but Leeds must be wary of their energy and direct play. If Leeds can catch them on the counter they are capable of at least a point, and possibly more if their finishing improves.
Tottenham Hotspur (Elland Road, 4th October)
Tottenham’s 2024–25 season was a bizarre mix of triumph and disaster, lifting the Europa League trophy but enduring their worst-ever Premier League campaign ever, finishing 17th. That domestic humiliation prompted a huge summer overhaul, with Spurs spending heavily to bring in Xavi Simons from Leipzig, Mohammed Kudus from West Ham, and a raft of defensive reinforcements including Kevin Danso. Their recruitment has been among the most ambitious in the league.Early signs are that it’s paying off, as Spurs have made a strong start to the new season. With renewed energy and attacking depth, they look far more dangerous than the side that flirted with relegation last spring. Leeds will host them at Elland Road in front of a passionate home crowd, but this is likely the toughest test of the upcoming run. A draw would represent an excellent outcome; a win would be a statement. Spurs’ quality means Leeds may have to settle for damage limitation.
How many points do you expect us to pick up before the next international break?