Preston (A): Preview

It is still Xmas Day and I am writing a preview. I must be mad but then again there will not be much time on the morning of Boxing Day with family commitments and a 12.30 kick off for Leeds United at Preston North End. It is hard for our lads to be away from their families, training yesterday on Xmas Eve and then traveling on  today, to Preston, to be in a hotel for tomorrow’s match. As Daniel Farke said they have to be professional, they are paid a fortune and this is one of the consequences of being a top professional footballer, it comes with the territory.

After such a superb performance on Saturday I cannot see any changes to the team unless illness or injury is a consideration. We expected some changes after Xmas but maybe we can do one more match with the same eleven. My mind goes back to the 2-0 win at Preston in April 2019 when Bamford scored twice in a 2-0 win. One of the goals was a belter, from outside the box…the best goal he has scored for Leeds. I think we are all expecting another win and 2-0 sounds about right. Preston started the season brilliantly and after 8 games were top of the league. Then followed a period of mixed results and they now sit in mid-table having won 9 and lost 9.

Boxing Day football is a special occasion and with the Elland Road faithful in joyous mood after the 4-0 win over 2nd place Ipswich, there should be a great atmosphere at Deepdale for the 12.30 kick off, which  again is on Sky. The nonsense that Leeds must win or the Ipswich result means nothing is what it is… nonsense. Leeds will lose a few more times before the season is up and they will do brilliantly to avoid defeat tomorrow and at WBA on Friday night…another treat on Sky. It is expected that Leeds will win at least one of these games and hopefully it will be a very happy Boxing Day.

By David Dean