Stan Collymore makes Championship prediction that Leeds fans will love

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Stan Collymore has claimed in his Sunday People column, as relayed by Leeds Live, that he is confident Leeds United will gain automatic promotion to the Premier League this season.

The Whites came narrowly close to ending their 16-year wait in the Football League last season, but after sitting in the top two for much of the campaign, they slipped to third and were beaten by Derby in the play-offs.

Leeds have since brought in Ben White on loan from Brighton and Helder Costa on a four-year deal from Wolves, while Jack Harrison and Jack Clarke have returned on loan. Others are expected.

Asked who he feels will finish in the top six this season, Collymore reckons Fulham will win the league with Leeds in second place. He also feels Nottingham Forest will reach the top six under new manager Sabri Lamouchi.

“I pick Fulham because of their be squad and Leeds because Marcelo Bielsa will make sure they bounce back from the disappointment they faced the end of the last campaign,” Collymore said.

“Then, I reckon it will be one of Cardiff, Huddersfield, Nottingham Forest, Stoke or Middlesbrough via the play-offs.”

TBR’s view – Leeds need players to reach the top two

Last season, Leeds punched above their weight by sitting in the top three for almost the entire campaign. Looking at their squad, they would be lucky to reach the play-offs come May 2020.

The Whites have lost Pontus Jansson – a crucial member of the side, without replacing him. It seems as though Bielsa is to trust new signing White, but has no cover. A striker and another midfielder would have been ideal.

But the Whites seem unlikely to bring any new players to Elland Road. If they fail to do so, promotion seems a tall order.