Leeds United are just days away from starting their 2024/25 season and hope is high that Saturday’s visit of Portsmouth to Elland Road can kick off a successful campaign. Daniel Farke’s side came within 90 minutes of promotion a few months ago and will aim to go one better, with a fast start needed.
Saturday’s meeting is undoubtedly one between two of the EFL’s biggest clubs but it is also a clash of unfamiliar opponents, especially in recent memory. It’s been 12 years since Portsmouth were in the Championship and 12 years since they last faced Leeds.
That occasion in February 2012 was at Fratton Park and it produced a rather drab 0-0 draw - it was also Neil Warnock’s first game in the dugout as Leeds manager. Below, the YEP has taken a look at the Whites starting line-up from that day and there are some much-loved names included.
7. CM: Adam Clayton
Another who moved on the following summer, joining former manager Simon Grayson at Huddersfield Town. Spells across the EFL followed, most notably at Middlesbrough, and ended with National League outfit Rochdale, who he left earlier this summer. | Getty Images
8. CM: Michael Brown
Retired in 2017 and experienced a brief spell in charge of Port Vale. Now a regular EFL pundit on Sky Sports. | Getty Images
9. LM: Aidy White
A hugely promising youngster during his breakthrough at Leeds but his career somewhat fizzled out, with spells at Oldham, Barnsley and Rotherham among others. Retired from playing while at Rochdale in 2023. | AFP via Getty Images
10. ST: Ross McCormack
Spent two more years banging in the goals at Leeds before joining Fulham. Has since rubbished rumours he refused to train in a bid to force the move and laid the blame with former owner Massimo Cellino. Still playing at 37, for amateur outfit Doncaster City. | Getty Images
11. ST: Luciano Becchio
Fan favourite spent another season at Elland Road before joining Snodgrass at Norwich, with spells in Spain and Argentina coming either side of a very brief stint at Rotherham. Remains a much-loved figure and avid follower of Leeds and is assistant coach at Atlético Baleares. | Getty Images
12. Manager: Neil Warnock
This was Warnock's first game in charge of Leeds, having replaced Simon Grayson and watched the previous win over Doncaster from the stands. Has continued in management, most recently leaving Aberdeen in March before being appointed football advisor of National League South club Torquay United. | Getty Images