Leeds United will be looking to make it three wins in a week at Preston North End and pundit Sam Parkin has shared his prediction for the match.
Kicking off again in one of the Saturday lunchtime slots, Leeds will be looking to move back to the top of the Championship, at least temporarily, ahead of Sheffield United’s clash with Plymouth Argyle.
However, two defeats in their last three matches on the road make this a more nervy afternoon than it would be at Elland Road, especially after the Boxing Day loss at Deepdale last season.
Daniel Farke is expecting a tough game up against Paul Heckingbottom’s side, who despite winning just four of their opening 20, are a difficult team to beat, having drawn 10 times already.
Heckingbottom was full of praise for Leeds in his pre-match presser, though, with this the second time he will come up against his former club since being sacked in May 2018.
Sam Parkin predicts PNE vs Leeds scoreline
One advantage for Leeds this afternoon is that the home side will be without Sam Greenwood due to being ineligible to face his parent club.
Greenwood has created the most big chances in the league this season and has also been in decent form in front of goal since Heckingbottom’s arrival.
Farke was asked about Greenwood’s loan on Friday and confirmed there is no chance he will be recalled in January, which is welcome news to PNE.
Even if Greenwood had been in the side, Leeds still come into this one as favourites as long as they can replicate that Elland Road form on the road.
And speaking on the latest episode of the Championship Predictions Podcast, Sam Parkin has backed Leeds to do exactly that, with a 2-0 win.
“I am not bold enough to go for another 1-0 Leeds defeat despite Preston winning at Cardiff in the week enough. Annoying because I backed Cardiff there. I am going to go for Leeds to win, driving towards that massive away following in the second half. 2-0.”
Predicted Leeds XI to face PNE
Farke has been rotating pretty well in recent weeks and made as many as four changes to his side for the game against Middlesbrough.
He could well make a similar number today, though that will depend on the fitness of defensive trio Jayden Bogle, Max Wober and Sam Byram.
Farke seemed the most confident about Bogle’s availability, and joining him in the side on the other flank should be Wober. Byram needs protecting ahead of the festive period.
Largie Ramazani and Joel Piroe are two more changes Farke could make in attack, continuing his run of rotating wingers.
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