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Top Two Clash in Championship Thriller on Friday

It is very rare we get a big game in August, but on Friday night when Leeds and Middlesbrough clash at Elland Road, the game will certainly have a special feel to it. Both teams are considered as potential promotion candidates, so it is no surprise to see them start as well as they have done. However, now they come up against each other and put their unbeaten runs on the line. Both have played five Championship games, winning four and drawing one to put 13 points on the board. They are three clear of the next best, and so far they are setting the pace. As we settle down and get into the thick of the action this season, both will be looking to maintain their position although fans will know that leading from start to finish in this league is extremely tough to do.

You can’t help but be impressed by these two and the way they have started. Whether it is Leeds, who are top of goal difference thanks to scoring an impressive 14 goals from their opening five games, or Middlesbrough, who have conceded just two in five games to show their defensive strength. No matter what style you prefer, these two teams have shown they can do it all, and they have certainly laid down the marker for the rest of the league to follow in the early stages.

Are Leeds United the Biggest Team Outside the Premier League?

While some Leeds fans are often accused of living in the past and off of their past glories, one thing you can’t knock Leeds for is their support. They reguarly get big crowds at home and whether it is a local derby down the road or a midweek 200 mile trip, their away support is second to none. We have seen Leeds pack out away ends for years, which begs the question, are they the biggest team outside of the Premier League?

Their opponents in this game Middlebrough would give them a run for their money, but when you compare the size and history behind Leeds to the teams who have been relegated recently, Stoke, West Brom and Swansea, there is no doubt that Leeds are by far a bigger team.

Then if you look at some of the clubs in the Premier League, teams like Huddersfield, Brighton, Cardiff and Bournemouth, there is no doubt that promotion would see Leeds instantly overtake them as a bigger club, with a bigger reputation. However, despite their size and the fan base they have, Leeds have failed to get back into the Premier League.

To get a feel for Leeds United you only have to look at the video above, documenting their fantastic Champions League run. This was a club going places, and one that was on the brink of something very special. Unfortunately for the fans, their dream collapsed and relegation came not too long after, with poor management of the club being the main reason. However, in some people the dream still lives on, and it is the though of those glory days that makes them travel up and down the country to support their club.

Should Leeds ever get back into the Premier League then they are going to certainly make their presence felt, both on and off the pitch. There is no doubt they would be a great addition to the league, and the fans that remember those magical European nights both at Elland Road and away from home would once again be dreaming about that happening. We may be years away from that, but it doesn’t stop fans reminiscing and thinking about what the future could hold for them.

Marcelo Bielsa Looks to be a Perfect Fit for Leeds

With the expectations from their fans and the history of the club, you need to be a special person to manage Leeds United. This summer Marcelo Bielsa came into the club, known by some as a strange individual and he has shown that early into his reign at the club. Bielsa is not traditional, nor is he a manager who does things by the book in a professional manner.

However, what he could turn out to be is someone who is a perfect fit for this club. He brings an air of confidence, which is similar to that the fans have when talking about their club. He is different, and Leeds fans believe they are a little different and better than anyone else. Most of all, he wants to win, and he will do whatever it takes to win a game of football. Leeds want to win, and they want to do anything to get back into the Premier League, so it is no surprise that these two look like a match made in heaven so far this season. If Bielsa can keep up the impact he has had so far, then he could be the man to bring the glory days back to Leeds United.

Leeds vs Middlesbrough Championship Betting Tips

The top two in the Championship go head to head on Friday night and I think it will be Leeds who come out on top. They have started this season very well, and have a lot of momentum behind them going into this tie. Of course, Middlesbrough have done the same, but there is a special feeling around Leeds at the moment, and this can bring them further success over the coming weeks.

There is no doubt that this should be a very good game to watch for anyone tuning in, with attacking players on both teams and genuine Premier League quality sprinkled through the sides. However, I think Leeds will be the team to come out on top, with home advantage and the feel good factor having enough of an impact to see them through.

The Championship is one of the toughest leagues in the world to get out of, and after starting like they have done both of these will fancy a shot at promotion this season. They will know that staying at the top will be tough, and they will go through bad spells this season at some point, such is the nature of this league. However, when you are playing well it is important to pick points up and get a run going, and this is exactly what I think Leeds have started to do, and what I think they will do going forward into September.

In what should be a cracking game on Friday night, I am backing Leeds to have further success under Marcelo Bielsa in the coming weeks, and that can start with them picking up another win here against Middlesbrough.