Sky Sports journalist predicts outcome of Leeds United vs Portsmouth
Portsmouth will get a result at Elland Road to shock Leeds United on the opening weekend of the Championship, according to Lewis Jones of Sky Sports.
The Sky football journalist began his fixture prediction column this week [9 August] and has predicted that Pompey will snatch a point at Leeds with a 2-2 draw.
In a tough start to the club’s first term back in the Championship in 13 seasons, Portsmouth have been handed a trip to West Yorkshire against Daniel Farke’s Whites, who have been placed as favourites to win the title following play-off final heartache back in May.
Jones said of the contest: “I’ve no interest in backing [Leeds] on the opening day in what could just be a very tricky fixture against excellent travellers Portsmouth.
“I’m expecting Portsmouth’s style of play to suit the Championship – they like to press and counter, something which was on show last season on the road where they took 47 points – the most of any EFL team.
“If they can overcome first-day nerves, then this could turn into a shootout of a game. Pompey have scored at least once in 17 of their last 19 road trips.”
Portsmouth could spring a surprise at Leeds
If there’s one thing about Portsmouth, they will be quietly confident – they certainly won’t head to their first Championship game in over a decade just to limit the damage.
Pompey fans know they haven’t gone through the turbulence of the past 15 years or so only to find their team refuse to give it a good go.
The “shootout” projection from Jones is an accurate one to me – the Blues will be fearless and riding the momentum from last season’s triumph.
If that means being on the end of the odd hiding this season, so be it – the supporters will still be roaring on their side no matter the scoreline, and this approach means there will be some memorable victories along the way, too.
It remains to be seen whether important players such as Josh Murphy will be involved at Elland Road, or how John Mousinho will shape up his side, but there is certainly an assurance bubbling beneath the surface that Portsmouth can pull off what many would consider to be a shock on Saturday.
In other Portsmouth news, Marlon Pack expresses his relief this week over what Pompey did for him.
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