Leeds head into this weekend on the back of two good wins where they have managed to score plenty of goals. They are one of the outsiders in the promotion race and if they can have a good start this month, that dream of promotion may look a little more realistic for them. Preston will be targeting mid-table, hoping that they don’t get involved in the relegation scrap, although if they go on a poor run then that is a possibility for them.
With Leeds being at home, they head into this one as favourites to win the clash.
Leeds Form
Leeds began their campaign with a good win last week away at Bolton. They eventually won the game 3-2, a game that didn’t really do much for the defensive work of either team. If was going forward where Leeds did the damage, Kalvin Phillips scored twice and last season’s top scorer Chris Wood netted the other goal. While conceding two goals is not ideal, the way Leeds played moving forward will have pleased their new boss Thomas Christiansen.
They again found the net frequently in midweek, defeating Port Vale 4-1 in the League Cup to make it seven goals from their first two competitive games. More of the same will give Leeds a real shot at promotion, especially if they can clear up the defensive errors they are having.
Preston Form
Preston began life with a 1-0 home victory against Sheffield Wednesday last weekend, a good result against another promotion hopeful. This was Alex Neil’s first game in charge of Preston and he is sure to have been delighted with how they performed. Wednesday were not at their best, but Preston did a good job.
However, they failed to match that effort on Tuesday night when they went crashing out of the League Cup to lower league opposition. Preston were dramatically beaten by a late winner away to Accrington Stanley, eventually losing the game 3-2.
They need to perform better than that in the Championship, otherwise a relegation scrap will be on the agenda and this weekend is all about bouncing back in the correct manner for them.
Team News
Kalvin Phillips will surely get another chance to shine for Leeds here after his two goals last weekend. Chris Wood will also be in the team, giving Leeds attacking options all over the pitch. They have scored seven goals in two games and look a lively team going forward, Preston need to find a way to stop them otherwise this will be a long day for the Preston defence .
This weekend Preston need to show character to bounce back from their tough defeat in the League Cup. They started their season in the right manner for Alex Neil and need to get back to playing like they did against Sheffield Wednesday if they are to have any chance at all of beating Leeds.
Leeds need to remember their two previous results and use them to build confidence and belief within the camp after a summer of changes. Preston would have been doing the same, but after defeat to Accrington, they need to focus on the basics and get back to playing how they can.
Top Betting Tips
Leeds are the better team in this game and they also come here in the better form, with a great feel good factor beginning to build around Elland Road. Preston can frustrate teams on their day, but Leeds is a tough place to visit, especially on the back of a poor League Cup defeat against lower opposition.
I am happy to back Leeds to win this game, they are available at 11/10 with Stan James, which offers value about a team who have started very well and are tough to beat at home. Leeds are full of goals and they can certainly out score Preston, who will be in for a tough time if they do not find a way to stop Leeds.
For those that like to back something at a longer price, I am going to also recommend a correct score line of 3-1 to Leeds. This can be backed at a huge 16/1 with Ladbrokes and offers tremendous value about a team who are finding it very east to score goals at the moment.
Leeds are playing well and look like they could challenge for promotion, if that is their aim then games like this one at home to Preston are simply games that they must win.