Chairman Ken Bates has pinpointed Leeds United’s two holiday matches against Leicester City next season as key to their promotion prospects.

Leeds and the relegated Foxes are the bookies’ favourites to go up and Bates is already licking his lips in anticipation of the clashes between the sides.

He said: “We have got Leicester at home on Boxing Day and it should be a fantastic game.

"The return is at Easter when the points could be vital. Once again we will be the team to beat and playing us will be the average club’s cup-final.”