Nigel Pearson has warning for Leeds ahead of promotion push, as well as Leicester City

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Leeds United and Leicester City will be among the clubs pushing for Championship promotion – but Bristol City boss Nigel Pearson has delivered a warning to the relegated sides on BBC Radio Bristol ahead of the opening weekend.

Leicester have bought really well this summer, signing Harry Winks, Conor Coady, Stephy Mavididi and goalkeeper Mads Hermansen. Despite losing James Maddison, Harvey Barnes and Youri Tielemans, they are favourites to win.

Southampton have managed to keep hold of James Ward-Prowse, adding a number of players to their side. They are also in with a chance. Middlesbrough, Coventry, Sunderland, Ipswich and West Brom will feel very confident.

Leeds meanwhile, have endured a tumultuous summer. Change in manager, change in ownership, and allowing a number of players to go – bringing only two new ones in, in Ethan Ampadu and Karl Darlow. Pearson has a warning.

“When you come down from the Premier League, one thing you’ve got to be aware of is you are a scalp,” Pearson told BBC Radio Bristol. “They’ll have decent squads and there will be a level of expectation on them to bounce back.

“I’m not suggesting they’re not able to do that, what I am suggesting is that this season there is a possibility that more sides will be able to take points off more clubs. I can’t necessarily see a Burnley, Sheffield United situation.”

Nigel Pearson warning to Leeds and Leicester ahead of opening weekend

Leicester are deserved favourites as things stand. The Foxes have been excellent in the window, and kept a strong core of players. Jamie Vardy will surely score goals in the Championship. Plenty of clubs will be in the running.

Clubs like Middlesbrough and Sunderland, who came so close last time, could either strengthen and go again – or struggle to maintain standards. Coventry too, though they have lost Viktor Gyokeres. Southampton will be up there.

Leeds have some excellent players, but there is still that air of frustration and uncertainty. Players still need to leave. Players still need to come in – and the squad will look different come September. But, it is still a very strong squad.