Leeds United have been handed a testing but manageable opening run, and the early prediction is clear: Daniel Farke’s side can prove difficult to beat before the season has properly settled.
The first five fixtures give Leeds a fair spread of danger, pressure and opportunity. A return of six points from those games would be a solid platform, even if Leeds might only win one of their first five.
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We know it’s early and forecasts can change throughout a summer window, but below, we predict the first five fixtures Leeds face, starting with a trip to Nottingham Forest on the weekend of August 22.
Nottingham Forest v Leeds United (August 22)
This is a difficult opener, but Leeds should not travel to the City Ground with fear. Forest beat Leeds 3-1 in this fixture last season, yet this one feels more balanced.
There is clear uncertainty around Forest. Elliot Anderson has been linked with Manchester City, while Morgan Gibbs-White’s future has also been under scrutiny.
Chris Wood gives the game a familiar subplot, having made 88 appearances for Leeds. Forest still carry threat, but Leeds can take advantage of an unsettled build-up and leave with a point.
Prediction: 1-1.
Leeds United v Brentford (August 29)
This looks like Leeds’ best chance of an early win. The first home league game of the season at Elland Road should carry real force, especially after Leeds drew 0-0 with Brentford there last season.
Brentford are awkward opponents because they rarely give games away. Leeds will need patience, direct running and clean set-piece defending.
Even so, this is the fixture where atmosphere should matter most. Leeds will have momentum, the crowd will expect a statement, and a narrow home win feels the right call.
Prediction: Leeds 2-1 Brentford.
Brighton v Leeds United (September 5)
This is the toughest match to predict positively for Leeds. Brighton beat Leeds 3-0 at home last season, and their style has often made this a bad match-up.
Leeds did beat Brighton 1-0 at Elland Road in May, but that result came despite Brighton dominating key numbers. Away from home, the balance swings back towards Brighton.
Georginio Rutter will be the obvious former Leeds storyline after joining Brighton from Leeds in August 2024. Leeds can compete, but Brighton have enough control and movement to win this one clearly.
Prediction: Brighton 2-0 Leeds.
Leeds United v Newcastle United (September 12)
Newcastle will remain one of the strongest sides Leeds face in this opening block. But this is also the kind of Elland Road fixture where Leeds can drag a better squad into a fight.
The sides played out a 0-0 draw at Elland Road last season, and another shared result makes sense. Newcastle also have to adjust after Anthony Gordon completed his move to Barcelona.
That does not remove Newcastle’s quality. It does make them a little less predictable early in the campaign, and Leeds can turn that into a high-scoring draw.
Prediction: Leeds 2-2 Newcastle.
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Leeds United v Crystal Palace (September 19)
Leeds will be hoping to reach Palace’s level in terms of Premier League standing over the next two or three years, but they have matched Palace on the pitch. Away at Palace, it was 0-0 last season.
This prediction follows the same logic. Home advantage will certainly help Leeds, but Palace do not concede many goals, and after winning the Conference League, the Eagles will certainly invest.
A point here would be valuable, not cautious. After Forest, Brentford, Brighton and Newcastle, avoiding defeat against Palace would confirm Leeds had handled the first stretch well.
Prediction: Leeds 1-1 Palace.
One win, three draws and one defeat would not be spectacular, but it would be a strong opening statement. Six points from five games would show Leeds are back in the Premier League with enough discipline, edge and belief to compete.
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