Leeds United's pre-season preparations are in full swing, with the Whites gearing up for their upcoming friendly against RB Leipzig at Elland Road. The match marks a significant moment for the club, as it will be the first time they play on their home turf this summer, following an impressive run of form that includes wins over Sunderland and Liverpool. The team news for the game is an intriguing one, with several notable debuts and strategic changes.
One of the most anticipated debuts is that of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who will be making his first start for Leeds upfront. His presence is particularly exciting, as he brings a wealth of experience and goal-scoring prowess to the team. Either side of him, Daniel James and Harry Wilson will also be making their Elland Road debuts, adding to the anticipation of the game.
In midfield, Ethan Ampadu and Sean Longstaff will be starting, providing a solid base for the team. On the right, Jayden Bogle will be looking to make an impact, while James Justin replaces Gabriel Gudmundsson in the squad. The defense sees Tarik Muharemovic, Joe Rodon, and Sebastiaan Bornauw starting in a back three, with Alex Cairns in goal.
The squad also welcomes back Jaka Bijol, who has recovered from a minor issue and is back in the matchday squad. However, there is no James Trafford in the squad, with the £40 million summer signing expected to join his new teammates on Tuesday. This means that Trafford could make his debut against Manchester United next week, adding another layer of excitement to the pre-season schedule.
Leeds have a busy few days ahead, with a friendly against Manchester United in Dublin on Wednesday evening, followed by a match against FC Augsburg next weekend. The 2026/27 campaign kicks off at Nottingham Forest on Saturday, August 22, and the Whites are certainly in fine form as they prepare for the new season.
In my opinion, the pre-season friendly against RB Leipzig is a crucial game for Leeds United. It's an opportunity for the team to build momentum and confidence ahead of the new season. The debuts of Calvert-Lewin, James, and Wilson are particularly exciting, as they bring a fresh energy and talent to the squad. The strategic changes, such as the inclusion of Ampadu and Longstaff in midfield, also suggest that the team is coming together well and finding a solid balance.
However, the absence of James Trafford in the squad is a slight concern. His potential debut against Manchester United next week could have been a significant moment for the club, but it's understandable that he needs time to adjust to his new surroundings. Overall, the pre-season schedule is a busy one, but Leeds United are certainly in a strong position as they prepare for the new campaign.
