NafisaLeeds United are just days away from their return to Premier League football, with Daniel Farke’s side preparing for a difficult opening-day trip to Nottingham Forest.
The Whites will head to the City Ground on Saturday, August 22, hoping to begin their first season back in the top flight with a result that immediately demonstrates they are ready for the challenge ahead.
There is plenty of optimism surrounding Leeds after an impressive summer in the transfer market.
Harry Wilson, Tarik Muharemovic, James Trafford and Nico Elvedi have all arrived, with the club clearly determined to avoid simply making up the numbers following promotion.
But despite the excitement around Elland Road, one former Premier League defender isn’t expecting Leeds to return from the City Ground with all three points.
Leeds United looking for revenge
The fixture will bring back memories of Leeds’ disappointing trip to Nottingham Forest last season.
Farke’s side actually made the perfect start when Lukas Nmecha fired them into an early lead.
However, Forest quickly responded through Ibrahim Sangare before Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson eventually turned the contest around.
The result left Farke facing another frustrating afternoon against Forest, although the German managed to rally his team afterwards.
Leeds will now have the opportunity to put that disappointment right.
And they will do so with a squad that looks considerably stronger than the one that suffered that defeat.
The additions made during the summer have raised expectations among supporters, but Jamie Carragher believes the opening-day clash could still be a cagey affair.
Carragher predicts Forest vs Leeds
As part of Sky Sports’ Super 6 predictions for the opening Premier League weekend, Carragher has backed the two sides to play out a 1-1 draw.
That would certainly represent a respectable result for Leeds given that they are playing away from home against a Forest side that impressed for long periods last season.
However, considering the mood around Elland Road and the quality Farke has added to his squad, plenty of travelling supporters will probably be hoping for more.
A victory would send an immediate statement across the Premier League.
A draw, meanwhile, would still give Leeds something to build on.
Forest have also undergone major changes
Leeds won’t be facing exactly the same Nottingham Forest side that they encountered last season.
Oliver Glasner has taken charge at the City Ground after leaving Crystal Palace, giving Forest a highly regarded manager with European experience.
His appointment represents a major coup for the club.
There have also been significant changes to the squad.
Elliot Anderson has departed for Manchester City, while Forest have managed to retain Morgan Gibbs-White despite considerable interest in the midfielder.
They have also strengthened with additions including Ousmane Diomande and Xaver Schlager.
Both players are expected to feature prominently, while Gustavo Sá has also arrived but may need more time before becoming a significant part of Glasner’s plans.
Leeds have plenty to be excited about
For Farke, the biggest positive is that his squad looks far better equipped for the Premier League than it did when Leeds last competed in the division.
Trafford gives them another major option in goal, Elvedi brings experience and quality to the backline, while Muharemovic provides another young defensive option.
Wilson’s arrival has also added creativity and attacking quality.
The challenge now is turning that potential into results.
Leeds have requested an away fixture for the opening weekend because work continues on the redevelopment of the West Stand at Elland Road.
That means the Whites won’t play in front of their home supporters until the following weekend, when Brentford visit West Yorkshire.
So Saturday represents the first opportunity for Leeds to show what this new-look squad can do in competitive action.
Carragher’s prediction may not be what every Leeds supporter wants to hear.
But an away point at the City Ground would still be a solid beginning to life back in the Premier League.
And if Farke’s side can improve on last season’s performance against Forest, there is every reason to believe they can start their campaign with something to celebrate.
Nafisa
