Leeds United are embarking on their 15^th consecutive season outside the Premier League, with many at Elland Road hoping that the 2018/19 season is the time the Whites challenge for a top-flight return.

Marcelo Bielsa has been appointed at Elland Road, with the Argentinian arriving at LS11 on a two-year deal.

The 62-year-old has the task of transforming Leeds’ squad, who struggled to 13^th under Thomas Christiansen and Paul Heckingbottom last season.

Leeds were well short last season, with plenty of work for Bielsa still to do between now and August, if promotion is to be the aim.

With Leeds’ squad looking thin at this stage, there’s doubt surrounding their promotion credentials in what will be an extremely competitive division.

With that in mind, we take a look at FOUR factors that will stop Bielsa mounting a serious promotion push during his first year at Elland Road…

Leeds are already behind their main rivals, with Lewis Baker the only fresh face through the door at Elland Road.

Bielsa needs a busy July to get quality into his squad, but even then, Leeds will feel behind.

Without a fast start in the league, it will be tough for Leeds.

Every year the Championship becomes a harder division to call, with some real quality on show.

Stoke City look extremely strong on paper, whilst Nottingham Forest have the potential to do something special.

It’ll take a big effort from Leeds to overhaul some big hitters.

This is something Bielsa can address in the coming month, but Leeds look worryingly short of goals.

Kemar Roofe, who scored 14 goals last season, is the club’s most prolific player, which needs addressing.

As things stand, Leeds won’t score enough goals to compete.

There’s been talk of a £20m budget at Elland Road, which compared to other clubs in the division, isn’t going to be enough.

Leeds’ squad needs some serious work and you doubt £20m is enough to land targets in key areas.