Leeds vs Portsmouth predictions: Whites can ease to routine win
- Leeds had the best home defensive record in last season's Championship
- Portsmouth are back in the second tier after winning League One
- Recommended bet: Leeds 2-0 correct score
Leeds are determined to get over the heartbreak of missing out on promotion last season by getting off to a fast start at a packed Elland Road.
But Portsmouth head north full of confidence after landing League One honours in the spring and believe they are now back where they belong.
Leeds, despite being weakened by the sale of Crysencio Summerville, are red-hot 33/100 shots with LiveScore Bet, while Pompey are available at 13/2.
Team news
With Patrick Bamford coming back from injury, Daniel Farke looks set to give Mateo Joseph the nod up front ahead of Joel Piroe.
Georginio Rutter and Wilfried Gnonto should fill the flanks following Summerville's exit in Farke's 4-2-3-1. Ethan Ampadu will return to central defence with Pascal Struijk fit in midfield.
Portsmouth are missing their 21-goal top scorer Colby Bishop as he recovers from a heart problem. Elias Sorensen could get the call at the top of John Mousinho's preferred 4-2-3-1.
Mousinho has concerns in defence with Tom McIntyre and Regan Poole out
The stats
Leeds and Portsmouth last met 12 years ago in a 0-0 draw at Fratton Park.
Leeds conceded only 16 home goals last season, the best defensive record in the second tier.
Portsmouth lost only one of their last 19 matches en route to winning League One.
Prediction
Leeds United have waved farewell to last year's star winger Crysencio Summerville but have more than enough attacking zip to see off Portsmouth, for whom the season could be starting a week or two early.
Pompey, last term's League One champions, should be entering this campaign with a real spring in their step.
But the loss of top scorer Colby Bishop and a fair few absentees at the back, leave them vulnerable.
Leeds warmed up for this match by beating La Liga giants Valencia 2-1, Pompey prepared with a 2-0 loss at League One side Charlton.
These are two clubs playing in the same division but at very different levels, and the loss of Summerville can easily be overcome by Leeds, who have the likes of Gnonto, James and Rutter available to fill the two wide spots.
Portsmouth need to stay solid against what could be wave after wave of home attacks and the likelihood is they will be breached at some point.
However, Leeds are unlikely to be at their sharpest so ignore the possibility of a hammering and go for a routine 2-0 home win.
