Leeds United will be aiming to maintain their recent good form as they travel to Preston North End for a Boxing Day Championship fixture. Leeds have looked sharp lately and should have the upper hand over Preston, who have struggled at home in recent times.
Preston North End head into Tuesday’s clash off the back of a 2-1 defeat to Swansea City in their previous Championship fixture. They looked to have earned a point after Liam Millar's second half equaliser but went on to concede a late winner.
Things have not been particularly smooth for Preston North End in recent times as they have picked up just one win from their last seven matches. Ryan Lowe’s men have suffered five defeats in that run and are currently in the bottom half of the table, although there is no present relegation danger.
Preston North End have also found things difficult in front of their fans having claimed just one win in their last seven matches at Deepdale. They have lost the last three in that run, including a 5-1 defeat to Watford in their previous home fixture.
In contrast to Preston’s struggles, Leeds United were in fine form last time out in the Championship as they ran out 4-0 winners over Ipswich Town. Pascal Struijk, Crysencio Sunmerville and Joel Piroe were all on target as they were comfortable throughout.
Leeds United have been one of the form sides in the Championship having lost just once in their last 10 matches, claiming seven wins in that run. They are now seven points off the automatic promotion places and with the top two facing each other on Tuesday, there is a chance to close the gap even further.
Although Leeds United were beaten 1-0 at Sunderland in their previous away fixture, they have done some good work on their recent travels. Daniel Farke’s men were unbeaten in the previous three matches with a 1-0 win at Championship leaders Leicester City among their results in that run.
How the bookies view it
The bookies have installed Leeds United as overwhelming favourites with a win priced at 3/5 by Unibet. Preston North End are considered outsiders at 5/1 with bet365 while 10bet is offering odds of 16/5 for a draw.
Head to head
Leeds United have an 18-17 advantage with nine draws from 44 previous matches against Preston North End. Both teams met during the 2019-20 Championship season with the two fixtures ending in 1-1 draws.
Players to watch
Will Keane is the leading scorer for Preston North End with six goals and will be the one to watch on Tuesday. The forward has also scored in two of the last three matches and is priced at 7/2 by Paddy Power to find the net.
Crysencio Summerville is the leading scorer for Leeds United with 11 Championship gosls and is priced at 2/1 by William Hill to find the net. Joel Piroe has also caught the eye with nine goals this season and is priced at 7/5 with BetVictor to get on the score sheet.
Anything else catch the eye?
Ipswich Town and Leeds United have quality in attack and both teams could be backed to score at 4/5 with BoyleSports. Two of Ipswich’s last three matches have produced over 3.5 goals which is priced at 39/20 with Unibet, who is also offering odds of 3/4 for over 2.5 goals.
Leeds United are priced at minimal odds for a straight victory, so a win and over 2.5 goals could be considered at 7/5 with William Hill.
This England Championship match between Preston North End and Leeds United will be played on Dec 26, 2023 and kick off at 12:30. Check below for our tipsters best Preston North End vs Leeds United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
