Leeds United are one of the favourites to secure promotion and an instant return to the Premier League - but the rebuild has to begin now. The appointment of a new manager and the player trading required following relegation all ideally needs to be concluded by the season's opener against Cardiff City on August 6.
Competition in the second tier is expected to be fierce, with fellow relegated sides Leicester City and Southampton likely to rival the Whites towards the summit. Middlesbrough could be in contention again in Michael Carrick's first full season at the helm, Norwich City will be looking for improvement while Sunderland will be aiming to build upon their unexpected play-off spot last time out.
Leeds' size and the prospect of winning at Elland Road may well again make them a target for rivals looking for a scalp. It was a scenario which Newcastle United, who will play in the Champions League next season, had to contend with during their two relegations in the Mike Ashley era.
