Darren Bent needs just 15 minutes to backtrack on 'strange' Leeds United comment

Darren Bent accepts he got it wrong with his early prediction on Leeds United this season.

The Whites sit fifth in the Premier League ahead of their return to action this coming weekend.

Leeds make the trip to reigning champions Arsenal on Saturday as they look to extend their unbeaten start to the season.

Daniel Farke's men are unbeaten in five so far in the top flight, though a 0-0 draw at home to Crystal Palace last time out felt like two points dropped.

Unlike 12 months ago, Leeds are nowhere near the relegation picture.

That is unlikely to be the case all season long, with many fans dreaming of a possible European push, and Bent also now acknowledges that.

What did Darren Bent say about Leeds?

Leeds are big underdogs against Arsenal, even if the Gunners did lose 3-0 to Brighton and Hove Albion last time out.

An away win really would leave the Whites in dreamland, but even a loss would still leave them well positioned in the table at this early stage.

Speaking on talkSPORT on Monday evening, it was pointed out to Bent by co-host Andy Goldstein that he predicted Leeds to be in the relegation mix.

As Goldstein said, that was a "strange choice" from Bent - and looks even stranger now.

However, Bent pointed out that he quickly changed his opinion on Leeds.

"I amended that [prediction] after about 15 minutes," he said. "Leeds aren't going down.

"I had my reservations about Daniel Farke in the Premier League. I wasn't sure he was good enough."

Farke has very much proved himself now, as have Leeds.

Bent says Leeds player can consider himself unfortunate

Farke cannot begin properly preparing for the trip to Emirates Stadium due to so many internationals still being away.

One of those that did not receive a call-up this window was wing-back Jayden Bogle.

In the view of Bent, he perhaps should have been included in the England senior squad by Thomas Tuchel.

"Dominic Calvert-Lewin's doing his thing," Bent added. "Leeds have players in their squad who are in the England squad.

"Jayden Bogle is the next one - he was unlucky not to be in this squad."

Everyone associated with Leeds will agree with that, but there is another international break in a month's time and Bogle may get the nod for that.

For now, both he and Leeds will look to keep this feel-good factor alive for a while longer yet.