Leeds United return to action today when they lock horns with Italian giants AC Milan in their final pre-season warm-up fixture. The glamour friendly offers the players one last chance to force their way into Daniel Farke's thoughts ahead of their Premier League opener against Everton on Monday, August 18.
It promises to the Whites' biggest test yet of their pre-season programme, with the Rossoneri finishing eighth in Serie A last term. There is a strong chance Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri will rotate his first team squad as they are scheduled to play Chelsea on Sunday.
Although United have spent in excess of £70m on new signings in the summer transfer window to give Farke team a serious shot at survival, former England international Joe Cole thinks the Whites are destined to be relegated. Cole has predicted that United will finish second-bottom this season, above only Championship play-off winners Sunderland. But the pundit has backed newly-promoted Burnley to stay up and Wolverhampton Wanderers to come 18th.
All three promoted sides have spent big to boost their hopes of avoiding the drop, but ex-Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer and TNT Sports pundit Owen Hargreaves have predicted relegation for United, Burnley and Sunderland. Shearer and Cole have backed Liverpool to retain the title following a major transfer rebuild at Anfield. Liverpool finished 10 points clear at the top in the 2024/25 season and have strengthened with the additions Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and others.
KICK OFF - Leeds United pre-season guide 2025/26
The countdown is on to the 2025/26 Premier League campaign - and our pre-season guide is the ideal way to prepare for the action ahead.
As well as in-depth analysis and opinion on your club, we turn the spotlight on every team battling for top-flight glory - or simply survival in the toughest league in the world!
Also full fixtures guide so you don't miss a game in what is set to be a thrilling season.
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