3 minute read

Leeds United will welcome Preston North End to Elland Road on Sunday (1200 GMT) less than four weeks after their feisty Championship clash on Boxing Day.

Leeds United have started 2024 on fire with a trio of 3-0 wins against Birmingham, Peterborough and Cardiff City.

They'll need to match those levels if they're to break down a more capable Preston North End side, who Farke's men will be keen to offer payback for the Boxing Day defeat.

Liam Miller's stunning 90th-minute winners handed North End a 2-1 win at Deepdale in an action-packed second half that saw Ilan Meslier sent off for violent conduct.

The Lilywhites worked hard to match Leeds on the day and limited their chances, while also creating a few of their own, but Leeds may feel a defeat was harsh.

That may be up for debate, but the disparity between the home and away performances of these two sides is not. Leeds are heavy favourites for a reason.

Preston have picked up 23 of their 38 points on home soil but have been less convincing away. On the other hand, Elland Road is a fortress and Leeds is unbeaten in 14 there.

The away team will be looking to protect their goal and hit on the break, so this game will follow a familiar pattern. Most visitors to Elland Road have found a goal that way.

The major challenge is keeping the Whites out. They're averaging 2.75 goals through their last eight, but Coventry City did manage to pinch a 1-1 draw by sitting back.

But Preston have tried this approach against Middlesbrough, Ipswich and Leicester and found themselves on the wrong end of a 4-0, 3-0 and 4-2.

At the midway point of the season, Leeds' attacking quarter of Georginio Rutter, Crysencio Summerville, Joel Piroe and Dan James have amassed 57 goal contributions combined.

However, Patrick Bamford may hold the key. His aerial prowess offers a different approach and given he's a confidence player, it's worth noting he's scored three in three.

One other notable thing is that Preston conceded three first-half goals to Ipswich and Boro, and allowed Sunderland to score two in the opening 45 minutes on New Year's Day.

Leeds enjoy getting off to a quick start. They have scored 16 first-half goals and allowed just three in their last seven home matches.

Patrick Bamford to score

First-half goals: Over 1.5

Leeds half-time/full-time