One statistic has added to Leeds United’s pressure of securing a win at Elland Road this evening, getting their Premier League campaign off to a flying start.
Facing Everton is arguably the perfect fixture for Leeds to start their campaign on and Paul Merson and Peter Crouch have shared their predictions.
With numerous battles set to take place on the pitch including Anton Stach v Idrissa Gueye, it’s set to be a tasty fixture.
Jack Harrison is also facing his former loan club, after facing a frosty reception from the Leeds fans in pre-season he has delivered a gesture to hopefully win them over.
As the anticipation builds, one surprising statistic has come to light which shows there is one almighty curse that Leeds United could also end this evening.
Daniel Farke Leeds United manager.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Leeds United can end curse tonight if they win against Everton
Opta’s Jonny Cooper shared a statistic for Leeds United to hopefully end tonight, none of the last 17 Championship winners have then won their first game in the Premier League the next season.
Sunderland in 2007-08 were the last to do so, and that very same day, Leeds, reeling from financial collapse and relegation, began a new chapter in its history with their first-ever League One game.
They secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Tranmere Rovers with a last-minute winner from Tresor Kandol.
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The contrast between Sunderland’s top-flight win and Leeds’ third-tier battle perfectly encapsulates the long and arduous journey the club has taken.
They have come full circle, climbing back up the English football pyramid, and now have the chance to write a new, more positive history in the Premier League.
Leeds United players celebrating a goal vs Bristol City.
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How have Leeds’ last Premier League openers unfolded?
Leeds United’s recent history in Premier League openers provides a strong basis for them to defy the trend of Championship winners losing their first game.
In their 2020-21 return to the top flight, they faced reigning champions Liverpool in a thrilling 4-3 defeat at Anfield.
While a loss, the game’s high-energy performance and three goals against the league’s best served as a powerful statement, setting a positive tone for a season that ended in a respectable ninth-place finish.
In the 2022-23 season, Leeds went one better, securing a 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Elland Road. This win was a significant moment, as it not only broke their opening-day losing streak but also demonstrated their ability to win on the first day back in the Premier League.
This recent record of either fighting bravely or winning outright in their openers gives Leeds a mental edge and confidence that many other promoted sides have lacked, putting them in a strong position to break the curse against Everton.