The worrying Daniel Farke stat that could now derail Leeds United’s refound promotion hopes vs Preston

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Leeds United are back at the top of the Championship table with five games left to play after a crucial 1-0 win over Middlesbrough on Tuesday night, and are well-positioned to go and make it happen.

Daniel Farke was criticised when he said he was “100% convinced” Leeds would be playing in the Premier League next season. But the Leeds manager’s words now have some weight to them after Tuesday night.

Not only did Leeds get back to winning ways after three consecutive draws, but Burnley could only draw at Derby and Sheffield United lost a second successive match, with Millwall winning 1-0 at Bramall Lane.

Next up for Leeds is Preston North End at Elland Road on Saturday. A lunchtime kick-off which sees The Whites play at the same time as Sheffield United’s trip to Plymouth, while Burnley face Norwich on Friday.

• READ MORE: Andy Hinchcliffe discusses if Leeds United will finish top of the Championship table

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	LeedsLeeds	41	24	13	4	80	28	52	85
2	BurnleyBurnley	41	23	16	2	55	12	43	85
3	Sheff UtdSheffield Utd	41	26	7	8	56	31	25	83
4	SunderlandSunderland	41	21	13	7	57	37	20	76

Daniel Farke’s record against Preston is incredibly concerning

Since taking over as Leeds manager, Farke has faced Preston on three occasions but The Lilywhites have proven to be a bit of a bogey team for the German. Just one win in three as Leeds boss, losing once.

But it seems that actually, Preston have always been a difficult opponent for Farke even during his days as Norwich manager. The German has faced Preston on 10 occasions in his career, winning only three times.

Indeed, nine of those matches have come in the Championship – with Farke winning twice. The other was an FA Cup clash between Norwich and Preston in which Farke’s men did win, but his record is worrying.

Farke’s record against Preston:

Leeds United injury news ahead of Preston North End clash

Daniel Farke has confirmed that Joe Rothwell is only due to be fit for the final two games of the season after picking up a calf injury in training. However, the chances of him coming straight in after is unlikely.

Meanwhile, Pascal Struijk will definitely miss Saturday’s outing as Leeds await scans that confirm whether he has fractured his foot or it is simply bruised. A fracture will mean he will miss the rest of the season.

On Tuesday, Dan James was subbed with hamstring complaints. Farke said James’ injury “doesn’t look good”, though we will find out more in Friday’s press conference. He is also likely to miss Preston.