Preston North End will host Leeds United in a midweek clash. The Whites are coming in this game on the back of a narrow win against Birmingham City which brought them to the second spot on the table. On the other hand, Preston suffered a heartbreaking loss against Reading who scored the only goal in the 8th minute of the injury time after the full 90.
Leeds United are still not at their clinical best, but they would be expected to dominate proceedings against the Lilywhites. Bielsa will hope that they can keep West Brom under pressure who are two points ahead of them in the table. Preston dropped to the sixth spot after their recent defeat.
Team News: Pablo Hernandez is closing in on a return, and he could be involved with the team. Liam Cooper is still some time away from recovering. Young midfielder Jamie Shackleton could miss out along with former Middlesbrough man Adam Forshaw.
Leeds United Predicted Lineup Vs Preston North End
Formation (4-1-4-1)
Defence
Kiko Casilla is likely to continue in goal once again. He should be shielded by the defensive pairing of Gaetano Berardi and Ben White. The latter has been United’s signing of the summer so far as the young defender has emerged as the mainstay at the back.
Luke Ayling is likely to start on the right side of the defence as Dallas will get to feature in midfield. It would be interesting to see who Bielsa would choose between Ayling and Dallas when the midfielders return to action. Ezgjan Alioski has been preferred over Barry Douglas, and we expect the Macedonian to start once again at left-back.
Midfield
‘Yorkshire Pirlo’ Kalvin Phillips scored the all-important winner against Birmingham, and he will be a nailed-on starter in the defensive midfield position. Mateusz Klich has played relentlessly under Bielsa and has looked jaded. We think that he deserves a breather. Stuart Dallas should be starting in midfield.
Tyler Roberts should be given a go as the attacking midfielder in this tie as he has impressed in his cameos of late. Jack Harrison should occupy the left-wing spot. Hernandez might not be a hundred percent so he could miss this tie as well. Helder Costa should get another chance from the start to impress on the right flank.
Attack
Patrick Bamford went another game without scoring, but Bielsa is likely to persist with him up top. Eddie Nketiah might have to wait a bit more for a start.
