Leeds United vs Huddersfield Town: Yorkshire Derby

Lore & Background

After spending the season at or near the top of the league table, Leeds were promoted to the Premier League on 17 July because West Bromwich Albion lost 1–2 against Huddersfield Town. The following day, Leeds were confirmed as league champions after Brentford suffered defeat at Stoke City.

In Their Own Story

The fog had rolled off the moors and was pooling in the valley like something alive, curling around the floodlights at Elland Road until the pitch looked like it was floating in a grey sea. In the away end, a Huddersfield fan in a faded terracotta scarf pressed his face to the advertising boards and watched the Leeds players jog out, their white shirts catching the light like small flags. He didn't cheer. He didn't jeer. He just watched, the way you watch a neighbour you've known since childhood and still can't stand. Beside him, his daughter, eight years old, kicked the concrete with her boot and asked, 'Dad, do we win this one?' He didn't answer. He never did. He just pulled the scarf a little tighter against the cold and waited for the whistle, the same way his grandfather had waited, the same way his father had waited, a long unbroken line of men standing in the rain for ninety minutes of a game that meant nothing to anyone in London and everything to everyone in the valley.

Reader's Guide

Leeds United announced pre-season friendlies against York City, Guiseley, Manchester United, Western Sydney Wanderers and Cagliari.

Did You Know?

• Leeds United were promoted to the Premier League on 17 July 2020.
• Leeds were confirmed as league champions on 18 July 2020.
• The Championship season was suspended on 13 March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.