The trip to Leeds United on the opening weekend of the 2024/25 Championship season is something that will excite rather than worry Portsmouth’s summer signing Jordan Williams. The League One champions will visit Elland Road on Saturday 10th August and cause a huge stir.
Bookmakers have made the Whites favorites to win the league. Daniel Farke’s side finished third in the table after amassing 90 points in the previous term, but Leicester City and Ipswich Town were automatically promoted. Southampton secured another year for United in the second tier of English football after beating West Yorkshire 1-0 in the play-off final at Wembley.
While United will be looking to go one better when the real stuff kicks off next month, it will be the first time Pompey have played in the second tier since 2012. Williams, a free agent from Barnsley, said: “It’s great first game and I’ve had a few messages from friends who are Leeds fans. They are one of the biggest teams in the division and the crowd will be there for the first game. I hope the sun shines and we can prove ourselves.
“It doesn’t matter who we play at this level, whoever we play in the Championship is going to be a big side in itself. We really are, so it’s just about trying to be ambitious and not be scared.
“We are not kidding ourselves, this season will be difficult at times. There will be ups and downs – we will need our fans through the ups and downs.
“That’s what we’re in football for. We want to play in the biggest stadiums in front of as many fans and the best players we can. It’s going to be an exciting game and an exciting season.”