Former Premier League striker Dion Dublin has delivered his verdict on Leeds United’s survival hopes on the eve of their first game of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
Leeds face Everton under the lights at Elland Road in their first Premier League fixture since 2023 as they look to defy the odds and stay in the top flight.
The arrival of England international Dominic Calvert-Lewin has bolstered Leeds’ options in attack on the verge of the game as Daniel Farke looks to put the final touches on his squad.
Pundits have been split over Leeds’ survival chances as the new season approaches, with Jamie Carragher backing them to stay in the competition and former United defender Rio Ferdinand predicting they will be relegated.
Now, Dion Dublin has delivered his verdict on Leeds’ survival hopes, singling out one “great signing” who could make the difference.
Dion Dublin delivers Leeds United verdict
Speaking on BBC’s Football Focus, Dublin assessed Leeds’ hopes of bucking the recent trend, which has seen all three promoted teams go straight back down to the Championship.
Assessing Leeds’ business in the transfer market, Dublin singled out Sean Longstaff for praise, arguing that his Premier League experience will be crucial this season.
“I think Longstaff is a great signing as well, by the way, with his experience in the Premier League. Great signing,” Dublin said, “Set pieces are going to be important, defending or attacking.
“That’s all it is – get people in the right place, get your flick-ons, make sure you’re first to the ball, make sure you’re second to the ball, be aggressive.”
However, Dublin ultimately delivered the prediction that no Leeds fan wanted to hear, concluding: “I’ve backed Burnley defensively and how strong they’re going to be. I think they might just squeak home.
“I don’t want to say Leeds, I think they may find it difficult. I think Burnley will be okay, and I think Sunderland will be okay.”
Opening day results offer some hope for Leeds
With Leeds’ opening game falling on Monday night (18th August), Farke and his side were forced to watch from the sidelines as the rest of the Premier League got their season underway.
Whilst on paper, Sunderland’s eye-catching 3-0 win may feel like bad news for the Whites, there is a distinct silver lining around the apparent clout.
Firstly, Sunderland put West Ham to the sword, which suggests that the Hammers are in trouble this season.
With Wolves also falling to a heavy opening day defeat, it suggests that the mid-table teams are not as strong this season. All eyes will now be on Brentford’s game against Nottingham Forest for a clue as to their strength ahead of the new season.
Leeds need as many teams in the relegation scrap as possible to help boost their survival chances. On the evidence of Saturday, there is some cause for optimism.
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