Michael Bridges shares why Leeds fans will be delighted with Championship fixture list

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Michael Bridges has told Sky Sports that he was “pleasantly surprised” with Leeds United’s Championship fixture list – which sees Leeds begin the 23-24 campaign with a home clash against Cardiff, and a trip to Birmingham City.

The Whites are back in the Championship after a three-year stint in the Premier League. Leeds fans are hoping for an instant return to the Premier League, taking advantage of the 55% parachute payment occurring in the first year.

The fixture list was announced on Thursday morning. Leeds host Cardiff – a side that we faced in the FA Cup last season – drawing 2-2 with a much-changed side in Wales, before beating largely comfortably at home in a replay.

Then, a trip to Tyler Roberts’ Birmingham City. Next is Carlos Corberan’s West Brom, which sees the Spaniard go back to Elland Road. Then, two new promoted sides. Leif Davis’ Ipswich and bitter rivals Sheffield Wednesday away.

The list of games also sees Leeds face an incredibly tough December, in which Leeds play seven times against the three teams to fail in the play-offs last term – Middlesbrough, Coventry and Sunderland. Bridges gave his verdict.

“It’s not where Leeds and the fans wanted to be, but reality is that it has happened. I’ve got to say, I’m pleasantly surprised. I’m really happy with it. Cardiff and Birmingham City, two teams in the bottom half of the Championship.

“Then a tough test against WBA. Then two teams in Ipswich and Sheff Wed that got promoted, so it is a really good star. It is good to get points early in the Championship because in December, the games come thick and fast.”

Bridges pleasantly surprised with Leeds Championship fixture list

Bridges is absolutely bang on that getting points on the board early doors is key in the Championship. Often, a team sets the pace and ends up remaining in the top six for the large part of the year. December is definitely crunch time.

But if Leeds can take advantage of a good-looking August and September, then the Whites will have every chance of getting promotion if we can fend off December with a few wins from the seven scheduled games. Good start.