Anthony Onifade

Sat 2 September 2023 9:10, UK

David Prutton has predicted the outcome of the Championship clash between Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday 2 September at Elland Road.

Still searching for their first Championship point since securing promotion from the third tier, Wednesday make the trip to Elland Road to face a Leeds side fresh off their first league win of the season last time out against Ipswich Town in an enthralling 4-3 triumph at Portman Road.

The Sky Sports host has backed the Whites to claim their second win on the trot ahead of the first international break of the season across the next two weeks.

And Prutton, speaking on the Sky Sports Championship Predictions podcast [1 September] ahead of the weekend’s games, lauded Daniel Farke’s “incredible” attacking weaponry which will be too strong for a struggling Sheffield Wednesday side.

He said: “Well. If last week’s win was anything to go by, Leeds fans are in for a treat this season. That front four in its current guise looks incredible.

“Sheffield Wednesday, meanwhile, haven’t picked up so much as a point yet. The only side to lose all four this season. I can’t see it getting any better for them at Elland Road. Home win.

“Prediction: 2-0.”

Favourites

After such dramatic deadline activities at Elland Road, Farke will be demanding his men refocus their attentions on their Championship exploits and given the struggles of their opponents on Saturday, Leeds United enter this contest as strong favourites.

Indeed, Farke’s attacking arsenal is incredible and the departure of Luis Sinisterra to Premier League side Bournemouth may have come as a blow to the Elland Road support, but the Whites pulled off a major coup in signing Jaidon Anthony in a superb swap deal.

Farke certainly will be delighted by his side’s business in the closing few weeks of the campaign especially the addition of proven Championship goalscorer Joel Piroe who comes into the team immediately propelling Leeds to become promotion favourites after his 40-goal-plus return over the last two campaigns in all competitions, and also experienced midfield enforcer Glen Kamara.

Piroe was indeed the striker ingredient they needed and it won’t be a surprise to see him add to his opening goal against Ipswich in front of his new support at Elland Road on Saturday.

And Farke will also be boosted by the fact that exciting talents Wilfried Gnonto, Joe Gelhardt and Crycensio Summerville are still Leeds United players after the transfer deadline which means the Whites boast arguably the most gifted attacking line-up in the Championship.

What looked like a difficult summer for Leeds has turned into an almighty one, standing them in good stead to kickstart their promotion ambitions in the coming months. A win against Wednesday on Saturday will prove another crucial step.

In other Leeds United news, the Whites wanted to complete a last-gasp midfield transfer had Joe Gelhardt left to join a Championship rival.