Marcelo Bielsa's men fell just short of promotion last season but our tipster is backing them to start their 2019-20 Championship campaign strongly
Leeds United travel to Bristol City in their opening Championship game of the season on Sunday afternoon as they look to banish the heartbreak of last season.
The Whites looked set to end their 15-year Premier League exile after an impressive first half of the season, but five losses in their final nine games meant they finished third before losing out in the play-off semi-finals.
It was a similar story for Bristol City, too, who sat fifth after 40 games but collected just five points from their final six matches to sacrifice a four-point cushion and fall out of the play-off places.
Leeds have won this fixture on four of the last five occasions and are slight 7/5 (2.40) favourites with 888Sport to win at Ashton Gate for the third season in a row, whilst the draw is a 9/4 (3.25) shot.
The Robins amassed just 32 points at home last term, the seventh-lowest amount in the Championship, but are 39/20 (2.95) to kick off their season in style.
Wolves loanee Helder Costa is the only notable addition to Leeds’ squad from last season but faces competition to start from Jack Harrison and Jack Clarke. Kemar Roofe is injured so Patrick Bamford should deputise.
Adam Webster looks set to join Brighton and is unlikely to be involved even if a deal is not agreed before Sunday. Bailey Wright and Nathan Baker are doubts, whilst Korey Smith is out.
Leeds hit the ground running under Marcelo Bielsa last season, winning five and drawing three of their first eight games, with teams unable to deal with their newfound intensity and pressing.
It could be a similar story here, especially given how poor the Robins were at home last season. Of the 32 points they accrued at Ashton Gate, just 13 came against sides that finished in the top half.
In contrast, the Whites picked up 37 points away from Elland Road in 2018-19 - the fourth-most in the division – including wins at all three promoted clubs and Ashton Gate.
Bielsa’s men will be determined to kickstart their season with a win as they look to go one better than last season and so the 7/5 (2.40) price on them to beat Bristol City looks the way to go for this fixture.