Sky Sports pundit makes Leeds promotion prediction after losing Archie Gray and Crysencio Summerville

“Can Leeds go one better than last season losing in the Championship play-off final? They’re everyone’s favourites to get promoted, that’s easier said than done in the Championship. How are Sheffield United going to fare? They have made some very good signings.

“So I think the battle for the top two in the Championship is interesting. The battle for the play-offs is absolutely wide open. It is really unpredictable. And how are the sides that have stepped up from League One going to fare?

“Leeds are a year stronger, when Daniel Farke stepped in last season, the club was in a bit of a mess. It had been relegated. Lot’s of players were sent out on loan, we weren’t really sure how they were going to do.

“Daniel and Leeds did a brilliant job. Really, they should have probably finished in the top two. Yes they’ve lost Archie Gray and Crysencio Summerville, the Championship player of the season so there’s losses there.

“But I still think you look at their squad, they have made some good signings as well. They brought in Joe Rothwell, who is a very good attacking midfielder. I look at Leeds and I think the balance is there.

“If they can keep everyone fit, they’re definitely in contention for top six, but of course they want to finish in the top two and not go through the play-offs again.”

How does Leeds’ predicted XI vs Portsmouth compare with play-off final

Leeds’ XI against Portsmouth will have a slightly different look to the one that began the Championship play-off final defeat to Southampton.

As well as both Summerville and Gray, Glen Kamara has also departed this summer, meaning there will be at least three changes.

Jayden Bogle at right-back will be one of them, but perhaps the most important is Pascal Struijk’s return in defence, which will allow Ethan Ampadu to move back in midfield, presumably alongside Ilia Gruev.

Dan James is likely to be the like-for-like replacement for Summerville, while Joseph’s impressive pre-season form will see him get the nod ahead of Joel Piroe up front.