Leeds United midfielder Mateusz Klich has named West Bromwich Albion as the side most likely to challenge the Elland Road outfit in the battle for a place in the Premier League this season.

The Baggies are currently top of the Championship table having lost just one of their 16 league games this season, which, incidentally, came in the shape of a 1-0 defeat to Klich and his Leeds teammates at the start of October.

For their part, Leeds are currently third in the Championship, two points behind West Brom and only outside the automatic promotion places on goal difference.

Klich is currently on international duty with Poland, where he has been pressed on the issue of the Championship promotion race and who could trouble Leeds in the race for the top flight, with the midfielder quoted by Polish outlet Polsat Sport as saying: “West Bromwich Albion seems to be the best team at the moment.

“They lost one of nine games, just against us. The season will be long, we will see."

But while Klich believes West Brom will be his side's biggest challenge this season, he also seems to be well aware that there will be plenty of other teams who could cause his Leeds problems this season, as he continued: “The league shows that it will be harder than last season. There’s a very large pressure. I talked to Krystian (Bielik from Derby County, who is also on international duty with Poland).

“They are in sixteenth place, and have only seven points to sixth, play-offs. Anyone can lose points to anyone.”

[freshpress-poll ]

Poland's international break concludes in a Euro 2020 qualifier at home to Slovenia on Tuesday, with Klich's nation having already secured their place at next summer's cross-continent event.

Following that, Leeds return to action on Saturday afternoon, when they travel to Kenilworth Road to face Luton Town, while at the same time, West Brom will be hosting Sheffield Wednesday at The Hawthorns.

The Verdict

I think Klich is pretty much spot on here.

West Brom have been hugely impressive so far this season, and with the strength of their side and quality of manager in the form of Slaven Bilic, it is hard to see that changing anytime soon.

That being said, Leeds like West Brom just seem to be finding ways to grind out results right now, so the Baggies own form shouldn't be too much of a concern for Marcelo Bielsa's side right now.

Indeed, I don't think too many people would be surprised if Leeds and West Brom were the two sides to go up automatically to the Premier League this season.