In with the new for Leeds United as club readies for pre-season opener with Guiseley

Leeds United will get their preparations for the 2021/22 Premier League season underway this Tuesday with a visit to Yorkshire neighbours Guiseley AFC, in a match that will set of a period of four matches in five days for Marcelo Bielsa’s enthralling side.

These teams have met twice since the Argentine took the reigns at Elland Road back in the summer of 2018 and, although the then Championship team walked away with a victory on both occasions, fans were entertained to the tune of 10 goals across the two matches.

With several high profile exits creating some gaps in Leeds United’s squad for next season, it is expected that this trip to Nethermoor park will provide some of the starring members of Mark Jackson’s all-conquering Under 23’s side with the opportunity to take the places of fan-favourites Pablo Hernandez, Gaetano Berardi and Ezgjan Alioski in Bielsa’s first-team picture for the new season.

The game also provides the home side with an opportunity to judge their progress after two seasons hampered by the Coronavirus pandemic.

At the time the league was ceased in 2019/20, Guiseley found themselves only two places away from the playoff zone on PPG and the managerial team of Russ O’Neil and, former QPR and Crewe Alexandra player, Marcus Bignot would have been harbouring hopes of a push for promotion the following season.

Things haven’t quite gone to plan since, last year was an abject failure, with Guiseley finding themselves in the relegation zone after 15 games of the 2020/21 season.

The halting of the season came as a blessing in disguise this time around.

The Lions’ return to action has seen some mixed results in recent times. A 7-0 victory over Ilkley Town was undermined by three losses on the bounce against Everton u23s, Bradford City and, most disappointingly, Gainsborough Trinity – a team that operates in the division below.

There is good reason for Lion’s fans to be hopeful for the new season though; new signings Jordan Spencer and Jamie Thewlis have made good progress in re-energising a team that had lost its way and, with several exciting trialists also catching the eye, there is a real chance that a good result against a visiting Leeds team tomorrow (however youthful) could provide a platform for the Yorkshire team to build on.

What can fans expect?

This game (unsurprisingly) is a sell-out, with Leeds fans flocking to see the team for one of the first times since the club was promoted from the Championship and as a result, the atmosphere will be one of excitement, interest and emotion, as both sets of fans reflect on a difficult period for everyone across the country.

One should not forget that football brings us together, and finally being able to take it in first-hand will be a gift that nobody inside Nethermoor Park will take lightly.

On a more simple note, there is a chance that Leeds fans will get to watch new stars, Junior Firpo, Lewis Bate and Sean McGurk in the white of the club for the first time, whilst players like Joe Gelhardt and Cody Drameh – who joined the club during the pandemic – are expected to be introduced to the fans that have worshipped them for the last 12 months or so.

Score Prediction?

A low scorer in honesty.

Charlie Cresswell is Leeds’ U23 captain and is has been able to deal with more physical tests in the development leagues last season and will be desperate to succeed at the club where his father, Richard Cresswell, also made his name.

I think that Leeds’ expected youthful attack will struggle against the physical nature of Guiseley’s backline, but the dynamism of players such as Joe Gelhardt and Ian Poveda, who will be desperate for his breakthrough this season, will be enough to notch a 2-0 win.

By Theo Hewson Betts

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