Back to back defeats have quashed Leeds United’s chances of getting an automatic qualification spot in the Championship table. The Whites are currently reeling at the fifth spot and will meet Preston North End in the next match. Garry Monk’s side was once regarded as one of the brightest teams in the Championship but recent results have failed to add weight to that notion.
Former Leeds manager Simon Grayson, who is now in the charge of Preston, has won only once against his ex-club. But Preston’s free-flowing football saw them scoring five goals against Bristol City in the last match and they can create havoc in the Whites’ defence.
Thre is still no reason to panic but a third defeat in as many games could jeopardise Leeds’ hopes of a promotion playoff spot. Leeds are currently eight points clear of eight placed Preston and Sheffield Wednesday are sitting next to them in the sixth place with 66 points. Gary Monk could name a number of changes in a hope to see a change in his side’s fortunes.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Leeds United Lineup against Preston North End
Defence
Robert Green has been part of every minute of Leeds’ Championship campaign and should be picked for this important fixture.
Pontus Jansson and Kyle Bartley must start to put a barrier to Preston’s attack. Keeping the defence intact would be one of the main agenda of Monk and the central defensive pairing has to maintain their concentration throughout this match.
Gaetano Berardi played on the left side in the last match but will be back on his preferred right side.
Charlie Taylor was not a part of the last match but Monk is expected to give him a chance.
Midfield
A number of changes could happen in the middle of the park. Ronaldo Vieira could be called upon to give the side some mobility and balance in the midfield.
Kalvin Phillips will try to take control of the midfield.
Attack
Alfonso Pedraza and Kemar Roofe played a bit of part role in the last match but should start the match. Roofe joined the club last summer but hasn’t been able to create that keep up his momentum in the attack after some bright few games. He will try to add a bit of flair in the Whites’ attack.
Pedraza has to ease the workload from his fellow players and needs to create more chances.
Modou Barrow will have another chance to justify his place in the starting lineup.
Chris Wood has been going through a goal drought and has to break the deadlock and set himself up for the crucial playoff stages in a few weeks’ time.
