Preston North End v Leeds Utd Match Thread
26th December@12:30pm | Deepdale
Leeds could close the gap between themselves and Ipswich Town to four points, if they can overcome Preston on Boxing day, and results elsewhere go their way.
Ipswich Town and Leicester City have dominated the Championship thus far, and are both on course for record breaking points totals. Leeds mauling of Kieran McKenna's side may be the first sign of a chink in the Tractor boys machinery, who now face a seemingly unstoppable Foxes side intent on promotion back to the Promised land, at the first attempt.
With one win in six, Preston have dropped into the second half of the table, but Leeds will know from experience, that these can be some of the hardest teams to break down!!! They last met Boxing day four years ago at Elland Road, when a last minute Stuart Dallas equaliser saved Leeds Leeds from defeat. Two months earlier Eddie Nketiah also left it late (87mins), as once again the spoils were shared.
Preston wide man Robbie Brady is ruled out with a calf strain he picked up in the 2-1 defeat at Swansea City. Emil Riis Jakobsen (knee) is a long term casualty for the Lilywhites. Leeds have no new injury concerns meaning Daniel Farke will once again field the same side that thrashed Ipswich Town 4-0. Jamie Shackleton (glute), Stuart Dallas (leg), Sam Byram hamstring) and Luke Ayling (leg) remain sidelined.