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Fiona Kyle & Nestor Watach

Sky Sports pundit won over by Leeds United's form following last season's heartbreak

Although Leeds United headed into the international break on the back of their first loss of the 2018/19 season, football experts are still backing them to the do the business when it counts.

Sky Sports pundit Andy Hinchcliffe has had his say on how he sees the Championship promotion race playing out and he sees good times ahead for Leeds United fans.

"For me Leeds are the strongest team in the Championship and are a lot better than last season. It is as simple as that. Their performance at Bristol City on the opening day of the Championship was one of the best away displays I've seen in the Championship. They absolutely dominated them."

Hinchcliffe admits he had his doubts after last season ended in heartbreak for Leeds United in the form of a play off semi final defeat at the hands of Derby County.

'I wondered which way it would go'

"I wondered which way it would go with Leeds after what happened last season. They could tire again towards the end of the campaign but right now they look stronger than ever.

"Everyone know their roles and they look a year wiser under Marcelo Bielsa. They could easily have won every single game they have played.

"Patrick Bamford has a few this season and Pablo Hernandez remains a key player, but Eddie Nketiah and Helder Costa - who are being eased in - will both eventually have a key role to play in making them more clinical."

Patrick Bamford's goals will be critical this season (Stephen White/CameraSport)

He quoted the expected goals (xG) difference stats which show Leeds with a predicted 9.42 goals, significantly ahead of Fulham in second place with 5.07, saying: "I'm not saying they are going to romp it but their xG stats this season suggest they will keep dominating games, and if they do they will win a lot more than they lose like they did against Swansea. They should finish in the top two."

Leeds United will hope to get back to winning ways when they take on Barnsley at Oakwell at 12.30 on Saturday. Follow Leeds Live for all the latest.

Visit our   dedicated Leeds United page   for the latest news, views and analysis from Elland Road.

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