Bookmaker statistics serve up Leeds United opportunity to defy expectations and silence critics

Leeds United will be defying the expectations of many by just staying in the Premier League, according to figures taken from Betfair. They claim that the Whites have been the most backed club for relegation with 17% of all bets placed on who goes down going on Leeds.

Leeds have been busy adding to their squad this summer with seven new players arriving so far during the transfer window. Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen, Marc Roca, Darko Gyabi, Tyler Adams, Luis Sinisterra and Sonny Perkins have all made the switch to Elland Road which totals Leeds’ spending at around £100 million.

That said, Leeds have also lost arguably their two best players from last season’s squad with Kalvin Phillips joining Manchester City and Raphinha making the move to Barcelona. And it those departures for outsiders looking in that will tip them towards choosing Leeds for the drop in Jesse Marsch’s first full season in charge.

Ahead of the new season Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom said: “It’s all or nothing for punters who are betting on Arsenal, with the Gunners being backed more than any other team to win the Premier League this season.

“Mikel Arteta’s side have received 20% of bets to win the title, while just 15% of bets have been placed on champions Man City, with Tottenham (17%) receiving more. Nottingham Forest have brought in several players to aid their expected survival fight, however, 18% of bets have been placed on Steve Cooper’s side to finish in the top four.

“Looking at relegation, Leeds, without Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips, have been the most backed club to go down this term having received 17% of bets.”

Leeds' rivals Everton have had 16% of bets to go down, ahead of Bournemouth (13%), Leicester (10%) and Brentford