David Norris predicts outcome of Leeds United v Portsmouth after done deals
David Norris has issued his expectations ahead of the opening Championship match for Leeds United against Portsmouth.
The former midfielder arrived in West Yorkshire from Pompey in 2012 and having represented both clubs, gave his honest view on how he sees the curtain raiser at Elland Road panning out.
Norris previously predicted a fast start to the campaign for Daniel Farke’s side, and to secure promotion at the second attempt.
“Leeds will certainly be expected to win and I do see that for them,” the ex-Whites man exclusively told MOT Leeds News.
“Being at home for one obviously gives them a huge advantage with that electric atmosphere, along with the fact Pompey have just come up and will be finding their feet a bit more.
“It won’t be easy, though, I think Pompey have recruited well so far and I like the manager, but Leeds will be expecting to beat the sides who will be primarily looking to stay in the Championship.”
Leeds United begin against Portsmouth
Make no mistake, Leeds will fancy their chances on 10 August at home to a Portsmouth side playing in their first Championship fixture for over 12 years.
However, the pressure will be on Farke’s men from fans, the media and, crucially, themselves.
Whilst John Mousinho and the Pompey recruitment staff gradually build a Championship squad and maintain most of the players who won the League One title last season, Leeds risk a instability to their own squad amid many expected departures before the opening weekend – the likes of Crysencio Summerville at the heart of that.
With outgoings, however, inevitably comes incomings and the pull Leeds possess is without a doubt the strongest in the Championship by a country mile, with the size of the club itself now complemented by the lucrative contracts on the table which has been helped by their gargantuan Red Bull partnership.
The fixture will provide the first of many fiery encounters throughout the 2024-25 campaign.
In other Leeds news, an update in the club’s pursuit of Jayden Bogle.
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