Leeds United’s fans cast their predictions for the new Premier League season.
Leeds United finally begin their second season back in the Premier League today with the trip to Nottingham Forest - but what do the club’s fans think?
Here is what our YEP Jury have had to say with their predictions for the new campaign with a team ‘upgrade’ call and where they think the Whites will finish.
NEIL GREWER
A year ago most Leeds United supporters were hoping for Premier League survival followed by an improvement in the following season – say 17th place followed by 14th place.
Mission one was accomplished with a 14th-place finish. I view 14th place this season as a target but predict a comfortable 14th-place finish again – with Leeds being consistently around that spot or above and rarely near the drop zone.
Whilst Leeds should be better equipped this season, I expect Tottenham and Nottingham Forest will be also, so we need teams who finished above us last season to falter with the main candidates being Bournemouth, Brentford, Fulham, Sunderland and Everton.
The first three new signings will improve the first XI and Harry Wilson and James Trafford will certainly add points compared to last season.
I expect we will need north of last season’s 47 points to finish in 14th or above.
With further signings expected which will improve options from the bench I am looking forward to an entertaining season with less stress than last year and hopefully another cup run.
If we can establish ourselves in mid-table by October then let’s aim for a cup run.
Final league position prediction: 14th place.
DAVID WATKINS
The first two games in the USA were uninspiring, perhaps not surprising as the XIs on display were nothing like the XI likely to start at the City Ground.
The first half against Liverpool didn’t give much confidence either, Leeds were poor, particularly defensively, while Liverpool looked streets ahead. Something changed at half-time, though, and with the introduction of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Brenden Aaronson, Sean Longstaff and Harry Wilson, Leeds took control.
Three of those were in the XI that started against Leipzig too and, for me, it was more than coincidence that Leeds looked sharp from the off and grabbed that early lead.
I think we are now closer to knowing our best XI, certainly at the back now James Trafford has arrived.
It looks like 5-3-1-1 with Wilson pulling the strings behind Calvert-Lewin while the defence picks itself once Gabi Gudmundsson is available, and it looks strong.
I’m not sure who plays alongside Ethan Ampadu – two from Stach, Longstaff, Tanaka and Aaronson I’d guess.
It feels like a significant improvement over last season, so I expect a strong start and no flirting with the bottom three this time around.
Final league position prediction: 8th place.
EVAN SEAMAN
As the Premier League lifts its curtains once again for the 2026/27 campaign, Nottingham Forest will host Leeds United at the City Ground as both sides look for a strong start to the season.
Daniel Farke’s Whites favour a possession-based game, and new signing Harry Wilson will definitely be one to watch in midfield – he put in a strong showing in the pre-season friendly win against Liverpool.
Oliver Glasner’s Forest use a high-pressing style of play, but they have recently sold star man Elliott Anderson to Man City for £116 million so Leeds will need to exploit that area of the pitch.
But all eyes will be on star signing James Trafford for Leeds who has signed from Man City for £40m plus add-ons to see if he can keep some more clean sheets this season.
However, last season’s Europa League semi-finalists will be no pushovers and will make the atmosphere as hostile as possible for Leeds, so they will need to stay calm and take their opportunities when they arise.
A young player to watch this season could be Leeds midfielder Alfie Cresswell who will be eager to earn his first Premier League start for the club.
Final league position prediction: 10th place.
KEITH INGHAM
So the 2026/27 season is upon us. Football didn’t stop after West Ham’s 3-0 win over Leeds which ended a pretty impressive first season back in the Premier League, a FA Cup semi-final was a bonus and safe from relegation with weeks to spare. Unfortunately football’s still not ‘coming home’, maybe it never will!
As expected Leeds have brought in a few new faces. Much sought after Harry Wilson will boost the attack, Pascal Struijk left for Brighton with Tarik Muharemovic replacing at left centre-back, an upgrade for me.
James Trafford – England’s number two keeper – has joined from Man City for £40m and more are expected to come in before the end of the transfer window. To get players in, there might be others that move out.
I’m really excited for this season, the signings of Wilson and Muharemovic have shown in pre-season they will add quality to the squad.
Both look good with the ball and it is hoped they move the group to a higher position in the top league.
Signing Trafford is a real sign of intent by the club.
Will Daniel Farke stick with three at the back or move back to the 4-2-3-1 formation he seemed to favour before the second half of the City game last season?
Final league position prediction: 12th place.
MIKE GILL
It doesn’t seem a long time since a very satisfactory season ended with an underwhelming match at West Ham United.
But here we are again... almost.
And if you add the usual caveats, so far this squad has a solid look about it.
Three wins out of five in pre-season, some wonderful signings – all of them clear upgrades, with hopefully more key arrivals to come.
We’re sad to see Pascal Struijk go but he has everyone’s good wishes as does Gabi Gudmundsson as he struggles with his ‘muscle’ problem.
All but the most negative must look forward to a good campaign. Even Graham Smyth has to be positive now he will be working for the club, although we’re sure he will show his usual good judgement!
Although they are unlikely to play a big part next season, the precocious talents of Jayden Lienou, Callum Mills, Rhys Chadwick and Alfie Cresswell caught the eye especially against Leipzig.
Of course, pre-season results can be fools gold but my prediction isn’t based on that or the new signings. The steady progress made under Daniel Farke and the current ownership is very impressive.
Final league position prediction: 10th place.