Leeds United succumbed to a defeat against Birmingham City as Garry Monk did a league double on his previous side. That has thrown the race for the second spot wide open as Sheffield United managed to win their game to go second on the table. It is clear that the lead will exchange hands a few more times before it is decided who will move to the Premier League via the second automatic spot.
The Whites will travel to the Deepdale Stadium next to take on Preston North End. Alex Neil’s side were vying for the playoff spots, but after two back to back defeats, their chances look very slim at the moment. Leeds United cannot afford to drop any further points if they want to move to the Premier League directly and we can expect a closely fought encounter.
Team News
After quite a few months, Marcelo Bielsa had a strong squad at his disposal in the last game, but that didn’t reflect in the performance on the pitch. Even in this midweek game, the Argentine manager doesn’t have too many injury concerns apart from Barry Douglas.
Leeds United Predicted Lineup Vs Preston North End
Formation (4-1-4-1)
Defence
Kiko Casilla is expected to keep his place in goal ahead of Bailey Peacock Farrell. Liam Cooper and Pontus Jansson are set to continue as the centre back pairing. Ezgjan Alioski has been thriving in his new found role, but the Macedonian needs to improve on his final product. He is set to operate as a left back. Luke Ayling should be in his usual right-back role.
Midfield
Kalvin Phillips is expected to keep his place in the deepest role in midfield. The Englishman is often crucial to Leeds United’s chances. Mateusz Klich is set to operate in central midfield once again. Kemar Roofe is back fit and running, but Bielsa will have a decision to make as to where to play him.
He can obviously start as the man up front, but he showed impressive signs as well when he started as an attacking midfielder. We feel that Tyler Roberts is doing a decent job in that role, and he should be persisted with for the next game at the very least. Jack Harrison is expected to keep his place on the left flank. Pablo Hernandez is often the chief orchestrator in the final third, and he should start from the right.
Attack
Patrick Bamford has been far too inconsistent, and we believe it is time for Bielsa to start with Roofe up top.
