Leeds United Pundit Kris Smith: “Leeds Should Be Winning the League This Season”
Leeds United fan pundit Kris Smith has boldly declared that the Whites should be aiming for the top spot in the Championship this season, following an encouraging start to their 2024/25 campaign. Despite a couple of frustrating setbacks, including losses to Burnley and Millwall and five draws already, Leeds are currently third in the table as the international break looms, just two points off the top.
“I know it might sound overconfident, but based on what we’ve seen so far, I believe Leeds should be winning the league this season,” Smith told Football League World in his latest contribution to the Terrace Talk series. “When you look at our performances against the teams we’ll be competing with, including Sunderland and Sheffield United, it only strengthens that belief.”
Leeds finished a narrow third last season with 90 points, but after missing out on automatic promotion in agonising fashion, manager Daniel Farke and his squad have bounced back with renewed focus. Despite losing key players over the summer, Smith feels confident that the club is well-positioned to push for a top-two finish this season, with their underlying statistical metrics providing further justification for his optimism.
“Statistically, we’re a better side than the teams above us, like Sunderland and Sheffield United,” Smith explained. “Once we find that consistency and get key players back, I think we could start flying and create a significant gap over the chasing pack.”
Leeds have looked dominant in certain areas, particularly in both boxes. They have been the best defensive side in the league, with the lowest expected goals against (xGA), while also ranking second for creating chances behind Middlesbrough, according to FotMob statistics. If Farke can get the balance right, maintain form, and keep his best players fit—particularly the likes of Pascal Struijk, Willy Gnonto, and Ao Tanaka—Leeds will be well-placed to secure automatic promotion.
However, as Smith points out, consistency is key. “The Championship promotion race is never as simple as having the best stats,” he noted. “But the numbers do indicate where we’re at, and Leeds are the best team in that regard. If we can hold our nerve and avoid the slip-ups that cost us last season, I’m confident we’ll be in the top two by May.”
With a resilient squad capable of dominating on their day, Leeds are well-positioned to mount a serious challenge for the Championship title. Smith’s confidence is well-founded, and as the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see if Leeds can convert their potential into tangible results, cementing their place back in the Premier League at the first time of asking.
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