Defiant Leeds United view with big Whites boost expected amid new tough challenge

Leeds are still winless for the new campaign and have conceded six goals in just two home games, Saturday’s 3-3 Championship opener draw against Portsmouth followed by Wednesday night’s 3-0 hiding to Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup first round.

The Whites will now make a quick return to league action with Saturday lunchtime’s tough assignment at a West Brom side who made last season’s play-offs and enjoyed a 3-1 win at QPR on the opening weekend. Leeds, though, despite a very rough week, are still strongly fancied to bag a first victory of the new season by the bookmakers who have the Whites as strong favourites for the 12.30pm kick-off at The Hawthorns.

United’s odds for the contest have drifted somewhat but Leeds remain hovering around the even money marker and no bigger than 6-5. Despite home advantage and a Hawthorns victory against Leeds last term, Carlos Corberan’s Baggies are viewed as definite underdogs and can be backed at 5-2, the same price as the draw.

Leeds also remain favourites to win the Championship, albeit second-favourites Burnley have rapidly closed the gap at the top of the market and are now vying to be market leaders. The Whites are 3-1 to go up as champions, Burnley now into 9-2 having been 8s before Monday night’s impressive 4-1 win at at Luton Town.

There is then a big jump to Middlesbrough at 10s, followed by Sheffield United at 12s and then both Luton and Coventry City at 16s. Saturday’s hosts West Brom are next at 18s, indicating a predicted seventh-placed finish for Corberan’s side.