Leeds United v Stoke City Betting Tips: 2 AH0, 2018-08-05

Stoke better equipped than Leeds in opening fixture

Championship Tips

LEEDS UNITED v STOKE CITY

Sunday 5th August 2018 – Kickoff: 1630hrs

Football – England – Championship Betting Tips

Sunday afternoon’s match in the Championship brings us an intriguing clash between Leeds United and Stoke City with my betting tips continuing at Elland Road.

It was another mediocre season in the second tier for Leeds as they finished in a disappointing mid-table position, but a new season brings new hope to the west Yorkshire faithful, particularly with the exciting, if not, unusual appointment of former Argentina and Chile national coach, Marcelo Bielsa.

Leeds have delved into the transfer market over the summer, particularly from Middlesbrough with striker Patrick Bamford joining on a permanent deal as well as highly rated midfielder, Lewis Baker on loan. In addition, the likes of Alioski, Dallas, Forshaw and Hernandez provide the creativity.

However, Leeds need to prove that they’re able to defend as well as attack this season.

Stoke City will need to re-group and dust themselves off as they start their new campaign down in the Championship after 10 seasons in the Premier League, following relegation at the end of last term.

The Potters will also be sporting a new manager in the shape of former Birmingham City and Derby County boss, Gary Rowett, who had previously lifted Birmingham to the fringes of the play-offs and took Derby to the play-offs last season.

This bodes well for Stoke who will be desperately looking to make a swift return to the top flight and although they sold influential midfielder, Shaqiri to Liverpool, Zouma to Chelsea and Jose to PSG, they’ve managed to keep hold of their prize asset, goalkeeper, Jack Butland – for the time being.

Butland is likely to be pivotal to Stoke’s success this season, and with Ince brought in from Huddersfield Town, McClean from West Brom and striker Afobe on loan from newly promoted Wolves, the visitors still possess some key personnel. In addition, the experience of Charlie Adam and Joe Allen in midfield will be crucial in Stoke’s bid for promotion.

It’s Bielsa’s first taste of the Championship today, while Rowett’s an old hand by comparison and until Leeds can prove they are solid at the back, I’ll back Stoke with the draw no bet option here.

Pick: Stoke City AH0 @ 1.82 Bet Victor