Leeds United will have the chance to go top of the Championship once again when they face Preston North End on Saturday. Daniel Farke will hope another three-game week finally yields three wins, with hope the Whites can build on consecutive home victories with another three points on the road.
Getting three points on the road has proven difficult for Leeds, who have won just once on the road since October. Early kick-offs have also been problematic and Farke admitted on Friday he was not a fan of the quick turnarounds. The Whites boss also provided an injury update ahead of Saturday’s trip, with late calls to be made on three defenders.
Those late calls could go some way to making Farke’s mind up for him and the Leeds boss has a few big selection decisions to make on his way to Deepdale. Below, the YEP has attempted to make those decisions for him with a predicted starting line-up and three changes from Tuesday’s win over Middlesbrough.
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7. CM: Joe Rothwell
Everyone expected Rothwell to be a decent loan signing this season but few would have predicted he be so crucial so soon. His bursting runs and forward-thinking instincts will be very important against a Preston side likely to sit deep and try frustrate Leeds. | Getty Images
8. RW: Daniel James
Farke has been keen to rotate his wide options this season but surely even he can't take James out, given the Welshman's performance against Boro. In the best form of his Leeds career at the moment and should have done enough to keep his spot. | Getty Images
9. CAM: Brenden Aaronson
Coupled his endless energy with some good moments on the ball against Boro and got a late goal to boot. Physicality will be tested at Deepdale if he does start an 18th straight game. | Getty Images
10. LW: Manor Solomon
If Farke is to rotate out wide then Willy Gnonto would be the more likely to drop out, given he was much quieter than James on Tuesday. Solomon has shown moments but is yet to flow like the bottle of ketchup Farke compared him to earlier this season. Change number two if he does come in. Photo: George Wood
11. ST: Joel Piroe
It didn't quite click for Joseph on Tuesday and is it unlikely his pressing energy will be needed against a deep-lying Preston. Piroe got an assist for James against Boro and could come in for the third and final change, even if only to give his Spanish teammate a rest ahead of the busy festive schedule. Photo: George Wood