Leeds United will aim to go top of the EFL Championship when they take on Preston North End on Saturday night.
Leeds United travel to Deepdale on Saturday to face Preston North End, eager to maintain pressure on league leaders Sheffield United in the Championship standings. With just a point separating the two sides at the summit, a positive result for Leeds could temporarily see them leapfrog the Blades, who play later in the day.
For Daniel Farke’s men, the stakes are high as they seek to solidify their push for automatic promotion, a goal that narrowly eluded them last season after falling to Southampton in the playoff final. This year, Leeds have approached the campaign with renewed determination, sitting second in the table with seven wins and a draw from their last 10 matches.
Their latest victory, a 2-1 midweek triumph over promotion rivals Middlesbrough, showcased their grit and quality, albeit briefly putting them top before Sheffield United reclaimed the position with a win at Millwall. Leeds’s attack has been pivotal to their success, netting 36 goals in 20 matches to lead the league in scoring. However, away form remains a concern for Farke, as the Whites have managed just one win in their last six outings on the road.
Preston North End, meanwhile, are navigating a challenging season. Sitting 14th in the standings with 22 points from 20 games, the Lilywhites have struggled to find consistency under manager Paul Heckingbottom, who replaced Ryan Lowe after just one match this season.
Preston’s issues are evident in their scoring record; with 20 goals in 20 games, they rank among the Championship’s least potent attacks. Only Cardiff City, Plymouth, and Hull City, the league’s bottom three, have scored fewer goals. However, Wednesday’s 2-0 victory over Cardiff marked a rare bright spot, ending a winless run that stretched back to October.
Heckingbottom will hope that the away win signals a turning point as his side seeks to climb the table and ease relegation fears. Despite their struggles, Preston have shown resilience at times, and an upset against Leeds could provide the momentum they need to look upward rather than nervously over their shoulders. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Team News & Tactics
Preston North End
Paul Heckingbottom is expected to deploy a 5-3-2 formation, emphasising defensive solidity while looking to exploit opportunities on the counter-attack. However, the home side will be without the injured duo of Robbie Brady and Ched Evans.
In goal, Freddie Woodman will provide a dependable last line of defence. The back five is set to feature Kaine Kesler-Hayden at right wing-back and Brad Potts on the left, both tasked with balancing defensive duties and contributing to forward play. The central defensive trio will likely consist of Andrew Hughes, Jack Whatmough, and Jordan Storey, who will aim to neutralise Leeds United’s potent attacking threats.
The midfield will be anchored by Stefan Teitur Thordarson, offering a physical presence and ball-winning ability, while Mads Frokjaer-Jensen and Ali McCann add creativity and energy in central roles.
Up front, the attacking duo of Emil Riis and Sam Greenwood will shoulder the responsibility of converting chances and pressing Leeds’s defence. This setup reflects Heckingbottom’s strategy to combine defensive organisation with swift transitions, as Preston aim to frustrate their high-flying opponents and capitalise on key moments.
Probable Lineup (5-3-2): Woodman; Kesler-Hayden, Hughes, Whatmough, Storey, Potts; Thordarson, Frokjaer-Jensen, McCann; Riis, Greenwood
Leeds United
Daniel Farke is likely to stick with his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation, which provides both defensive stability and attacking dynamism. However, he will be without Joe Gelhardt, Junior Firpo and Ilia Gruev.
Illan Meslier will take his place in goal, anchoring Leeds United’s defence with his shot-stopping abilities. In the backline, Maximilian Wober is expected to start at right-back, with Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon forming a solid central defensive partnership. Jayden Bogle will occupy the left-back position, offering defensive cover and support for forward runs.
In midfield, Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell are set to feature in the double pivot, tasked with shielding the backline and orchestrating transitions. The attacking midfield trio includes Daniel James on the right wing, Brenden Aaronson in the central role, and Wilfried Gnonto on the left wing. Together, they will aim to create opportunities and provide service for the lone striker.
Leading the attack will be Mateo Joseph, who has shown promise with his movement and finishing ability.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Meslier; Wober, Struijk, Rodon, Bogle; Tanaka, Rothwell, James, Aaronson, Gnonto; Joseph
Key Stats
- Preston North End have won just two of their last 13 league games against Leeds United (D4 L7). However, both victories came at Deepdale, including a 2-1 success last season.
- Leeds United will aim to avoid losing consecutive away league games against Preston for the first time since October 2006, during Dennis Wise’s tenure.
- Five of Preston’s last eight league games at Deepdale have ended in a draw (W2 L1), including their last three matches at home.
- Leeds have lost two of their last three away league games (W1), matching the total number of away losses in their previous 16 matches (W8 D6).
- Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom has won both of his previous home games in the Football League against sides he’s previously managed. This includes a 2-1 win with Barnsley against Leeds in April 2018 and a 2-0 victory with Sheffield United against Leeds in March 2022.
Player to Watch
Wilfried Gnonto
Gnonto has emerged as one of Leeds United’s most dynamic and influential players this season, making him a key figure to watch in their clash against Preston North End. Known for his explosive pace, quick feet, and ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations, Gnonto has been a consistent source of creativity and attacking intent for Daniel Farke’s side.
Operating primarily from the left wing, the Italian international has an uncanny knack for cutting inside and creating goal-scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. His combination of agility and close control often draws defenders out of position, allowing Leeds to exploit spaces in the opposition’s backline.
Gnonto’s impact extends beyond his individual flair; his link-up play with the likes of Brenden Aaronson and Daniel James has been a vital part of Leeds United’s attacking chemistry. With Leeds leading the league in scoring this season, much of their offensive success has been built on the spark provided by Gnonto on the flanks.
Prediction
Preston North End 1-3 Leeds United
Leeds will look to exploit Preston’s defensive frailties and lack of firepower with their dynamic attacking unit, led by Championship top scorers. Preston, on the other hand, will rely on their organization and Heckingbottom’s familiarity with Leeds to stifle the visitors’ momentum.
Leeds United’s superior firepower and desire to reclaim the top spot should see them overcome Preston North End, whose inconsistency and lack of goals may prove costly. The Hard Tackle predicts a 3-1 win for Daniel Farke and his charges.
