How did that come around again so fast?! It feels like only yesterday when the fixtures were released for our first campaign back in the top flight after another Championship-winning season and not knowing what to think.
Now, after a full season behind us, I’m definitely feeling optimistic about our second campaign after a brilliant run since the end of last November, since the second half of the Manchester City game.
Great Start To The Campaign
I think if there was one thing I could change about our first few fixtures of the 2026/27 Premier League season, it’s that I wish our first game was at home. Though, unlike last season, I’m glad I don’t have to wait until Monday evening (despite these being live), to see how we fare.
Away at Nottingham Forest, isn’t actually too bad though. As things stand, with the squads how they are, I think this is a game where we would have the measure of them and as the opening of the transfer window approaches, I think that we might just come out of it having done better business.
On top of that, barring an irrelevant last game away at a West Ham United, in which we uncharacteristically lost 3-0 against a team needing a win to stay up, we ended our season in brilliant form. Although it was a disappointing performance, our season had probably finished mentally a week earlier after picking up a superb three points at home against Brighton.
Admittedly, we lost 3-1 in the same fixture last season, though this was in late November, before Daniel Farke’s inspired system switch, we essentially transformed us into a considerable prospect. Obviously, at home in February (on my birthday!), we won 3-1 – a superb performance!
I fully expect Forest to lose Elliot Anderson who is being heavily linked with Manchester City, despite the fact that they’ll probably replace him with a player who can eventually emulate his ability and while they do have others in the team who can cause problems, I think we will have enough to win and, hopefully, keep a clean sheet.
Brentford at home in the following fixture a week later, I think also gives us a good opportunity to grab another three points. Granted, they are a good side, though, after two creditable draws last season, I think we can go one better at Elland Road.
This is also played at the end of August and will be our last chance to address any possible gaps in the squad before the transfer window closes; something which we have done a couple of times now and, to good effect.
The win at home to Brighton in our last home game, after a dramatic last-gasp goal from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, effectively ended the curse against the Seagulls, having never beaten them in the Premier League and if we can travel down to the south coast with six points and high on confidence, we could just make it two consecutive wins against them. Though, I’d be more than happy with a point.
No doubt, we’ll still be smarting from that agonising defeat to Newcastle in January after a superb performance at St James’ Park and I think we will be well up for hosting them at our place. I definitely think we will pick up three points, especially with the Magpies seemingly looking like they will lose key players, with Anthony Gordon having already agreed a move to Barcelona and Sandro Tonali heavily linked to Tottenham.
One week later we host Crystal Palace, who we demolished at Elland Road in December and, although they can be a tricky side, I think we can pick up three points and really clip their wings.
Huge Test After International Break
Following what appears to be a three week break, we return to action for what will be our first major test; away at Champions Arsenal, no less, who convincingly beat us twice last season (even when we had been playing well).
Getting a result isn’t impossible, though, realistically, I think fans have to look at this as being a ‘free hit’. To not concede as many would be an achievement and if we can nick a goal, it would give the squad a lift, though, it will be a tough ask.
📆 Our 26/27 Premier League fixtures… pic.twitter.com/NOaEVqwRjP
— Leeds United (@LUFC) June 19, 2026
We then entertain Manchester United at home and, Michael Carrick will still likely be aggrieved at the way we beat his side at Old Trafford towards the end of last season. Not only did we beat them; we effectively dominated them in what was a good run of form for the Red Devils.
I think they will be a much-improved side next season. Anything can happen, though obviously, another three points would be so sweet. To have not lost against them yet after our return to the top flight (we perhaps should have beaten them twice), is a brilliant achievement, so just to continue that unbeaten run will be fantastic.
A Mixed Bag Up To Christmas
Obviously we became very hard to beat from last December onward, and I fully expect more of the same though, it would be unrealistic to expect us not to lose a few. I for one, certainly hope this isn’t the case in our next fixture; away at Sunderland who we owe a hammering to I think. Hopefully they will be struggling to handle their European campaign as well and are there for the taking.
The games that follow I think, certainly represent an opportunity to put some points on the board. Bournemouth away will be tricky, though not as big a threat after the departure of manager Andoni Iraola; Spurs at home will be a different prospect, but we can make it hard for them, while Chelsea away, depending on how their summer business goes and whether Xabi Alonso can get the team playing could offer up at least a point.
We don’t play a promoted club until we welcome Coventry City at the end of November and, I fully expect us to turn it on and show the gulf in class, while a visit to City just days later is symbolic. It will mark exactly one year since our fortunes started to change, when a change in system brought the game back to 2-2 (from being 2-0 down), only to lose in the last second, having had chances to snatch it.
Ipswich Town then await us at Elland Road, before a trip to Liverpool which I think will be a tough game and then we have a relatively comfortable Christmas. Games against Fulham, Aston Villa, Hull City and Everton I think all represent an opportunity to get at least 10 points. I’d certainly earmark that Boxing Day fixture in the midlands; our games away at Villa always promise drama.
Interesting Run-In To End The Season
I think if we can get through the first part of the second half of the season relatively unscathed, we should be safe by at least March, though our last few games represent an opportunity to then push on and maybe even challenge for a European place.
In our last six games, we host both Liverpool and Arsenal, while needing to travel to Old Trafford where we could really lay down a marker.
Sunderland visit us for our penultimate game of the season, before, for the second season running our final game is away from home (in London again) with a trip to Selhurst Park.
