It was only a few weeks ago that Leeds United celebrated winning the Championship. After a stoppage-time winner secured victory on the last day against Plymouth Argyle, Leeds pipped Burnley to the title on goal difference. Both clubs finished on a remarkable 100 points – the first time two teams managed a three-figure total in the same Championship campaign.
Now, it’s time to look ahead to the future. Now it’s time to see if they can survive – and possibly even thrive – in the Premier League.
A scintillating Championship campaign has given fans hope. However, Leeds face a tough challenge in England’s top-flight, where the margins are slim, and survival hopes hinge on squad depth, momentum, and a sprinkling of luck.
So, the question remains: Can Leeds avoid going straight back down?
How the Current Relegation Odds Stack Up
It’s still early days for transfers and seeing how squads will shape up for the 2025-26 season. Nevertheless, oddsmakers are already pricing up the chances for all 20 teams in the Premier League, whether they’re fighting for the title or fighting off relegation.
Based on current Premier League betting odds, Leeds are third favourites to go down next season. They’re priced at 3/4, which means the bookmakers see them as having less than a 50% chance of beating the drop. That’s not too promising.
In better news, they are seen as having the best chance of staying up compared to their fellow promoted teams. Burnley and Sunderland are priced at 4/11 and 2/5 respectively. As a result, bookmakers see the next season mirroring the previous one, where all three promoted sides go straight back down to the Championship.
The problem: there are no other candidates that are obvious for a relegation fight. The next lowest-priced team for the drop is Wolves at 13/4. While they had to fight to stay up last season, they ended up being one of the most in-form sides in the league once Vitor Pereira took over in December.
The next four candidates for relegation are Brentford (5/1), Fulham (11/2), Crystal Palace (6/1), and West Ham (13/2). Again, few would consider these to end up in a relegation fight based on recent seasons.
Leeds might have to rely on those 115 charges going against Man City. Their odds of being relegated are a relatively low 20/1
How Leeds Can Beat the Drop
As highlighted, Leeds face a significant test in their return to the Premier League. However, survival is not off the table. With smart recruitment and strong performances at home, they could remain in England’s top-flight.
Here’s what the club will need:
- Strengthen the defence: Leeds must prioritise strengthening their defence. That begins with a new goalkeeper, while a reliable centre-back or two could be big in reducing the number of goals conceded for the season.
- Add Premier League experience: It’s not a new revelation, obviously. Yet mixing youth with seasoned players – aka those who know how to handle relegation battles – can bring added composure to those high-pressure matches.
- Turn Elland Road into a fortress: Leeds are known for having a loud, passionate fanbase. If they can help turn Elland Road into a place other teams fear, the club could take points off not just relegation candidates, but also those towards the top of the table.
- Improve game management: Late collapses have cost Leeds in the past. Better game management, such as making smarter substitutions thanks to improved squad depth, could be key.
- Stay fit and avoid major injuries: Although luck always plays a part in this aspect, it’s essential to take precautions. However, keeping key players healthy will be essential for consistency throughout the season – especially as Leeds will be operating with a smaller squad than others.
Okay, even covering all these points won’t guarantee survival for Leeds. However, it would put them in a better fighting position, one where they can prove they belong in the Premier League for more than just a single-season stint.
