David Prutton has backed Leeds United to secure an opening day victory against Cardiff City.
In his first EFL predictions column of the season, Prutton spoke highly of the appointment of Daniel Farke and believes Leeds are in a ‘better shape’ after relegation than they were back in 2004.
Farke is set to take charge of his first competitive game as Leeds boss following a productive pre-season since his appointment at the beginning of last month.
Leeds have won both of their last two friendlies of the summer without conceding against Nottingham Forest and Hearts, showing clear signs they are quickly getting to grips with Farke’s system.
However, on Sunday, Leeds will be facing a Cardiff side who also go into the new season full of promise under new manager Erol Bulut, and signings including Aaron Ramsey.
Prutton predicts narrow Leeds win over Cardiff
Though it has been a quiet summer of incomings so far, Prutton believes Leeds’ ability to keep key players such as Wilfried Gnonto will be enough to earn a narrow victory.
He said: “Leeds United were promoted in a blaze of glory a few seasons ago and the city came alive under the management of Marcelo Bielsa. It only looked as though they were going to kick on, but if you don’t move forward in football you get left behind. And that is what happened. Their fans will be praying it’s not another 16 years before they taste the top flight again.
“That being said, they have gone down in better shape than last time, and have acted quickly in bringing in Daniel Farke – who has won this league the last two times he has managed in it, with Norwich in 2019 and 2021.For now, they still have the likes of Jack Harrison, Wilfried Gnonto and Tyler Adams in their squad. Whether it remains that way by the end of the window, we’ll have to wait and see.
“Cardiff have brought in Erol Bulut as manager over the summer. It is his first job outside of Turkey, but if you have sat in the Fenerbahce hotseat then you can handle the fireworks of the Championship. It will also be exciting to see Aaron Ramsey back at his boyhood club this season. It really could go any which way for the Bluebirds, but I think their season starts with a defeat. Prediction: Leeds 2-1 Cardiff.”
It is incredibly difficult to know what to expect from Cardiff under a manager who is very much an unknown quantity in this division.
There is undoubtedly a buzz around the place in South Wales but with the likes of Luis Sinisterra, Crysencio Summerville and co, Leeds should hopefully have enough to earn an opening day three points.
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