Leeds United - v - PNE ***Matchday Thread***

[BelfastAndy]

Leeds Utd v Preston North End
Saturday 12th April@12:30 | Elland Road

High-flying Leeds will be brimming with confidence as they welcome Preston North End to Elland Road for a Saturday lunchtime clash. Daniel Farke's side, fresh off a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Middlesbrough despite controversial offside calls, will be eager to capitalise on their formidable home form and extend their lead over the chasing pack

Leeds strength at Elland Road is undeniable. An impressive 17-game unbeaten streak, coupled with a staggering 49 goals scored in just 20 home matches, paints a picture of dominance. However, Farke remains vigilant, acknowledging the need for improvement, particularly concerning the form of leading scorer Joel Piroe. The striker's recent goal drought, with only two goals in his last eleven appearances, has sparked speculation that a fit-again Patrick Bamford might be given the nod to lead the line this weekend.

Preston, in contrast, are struggling to find consistency. A late equaliser denied them victory against Cardiff, leaving them languishing in 16th place. Their away form offers little solace, with only three wins in 20 matches, making them significant underdogs against the Whites. Paul Heckingbottom would like nothing more than to get one over on his previous club, and will try to frustrate Leeds with time wasting and play acting.

Leeds fans anxiously await news on the fitness of Dan James, who sustained an injury in the midweek victory. If he is ruled out, Farke has capable replacements in Willy Gnonto and Largie Ramazani. Joe Rothwell (thigh) and Pascal Struijk (ankle) remain sidelined, meaning Ethan Ampadu will likely drop back into central defence alongside fellow Welsh international Joe Rodon, while Ilea Gruev is expected to retain his place in midfield after an impressive performance against Middlesbrough.

Preston, meanwhile, face their own injury woes. They may have seen the last of first-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman, who is out for the remainder of the season with an ankle problem. The Lilywhites are also short on defensive options, with both Brad Potts (hamstring) and Jack Whatmough (calf) sidelined. This depleted squad will face a stern test against a Leeds side hungry to maintain their position at the summit of the Championship.

MOT.

Credit: MOTforum.com

[Monaco_Totty]

The PNE weaknesses are defo their defensive lapses with most stats stating they are very hit & miss with their transitioning when winning the ball defensively too.
Specifically, they lack urgency in attack & do have frequent spells being out of position in the final third. Their reliance on a back 3 system can hopefully leave them vulnerable to our pace on our counter-attack initiatives.

Most reports indicate that Preston players, particularly in the defensive line can be slow to react to threats & fail to make timely interventions - so gotta take notice of that.
All stats so far indicate they are often guilty in leaving attackers too much space, particularly noticeable when they are pressed by a high-energy opponents, too. 👍

Suspect Heckingbottom is defo gonna park the bus & hope they grab what they can when they can & no doubt we will see usage of their subtle skills of the dark-arts technique, given the chance too.

Yakou Meites 94th minute leveller snatched a point for Cardiff last time out, so PNE have now drawn 19 times this season, more than any other side in the Championship, please take note.
Just hope Sam Greenwood does not decide to unleash one of his worldies' against us.

Maybe rest James & start with Bamford & see how it goes for first 55 mins before rolling the dice, for me, for this one with Amps in defence which suits him & us better as he aint no prospective PL big gunner in a midfield birth, imo.

[Monaco_Totty]

According to Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera its alleged Firpo along with several other high-profile Italian footballers & sportspeople took part in 'closed' poker games on illegal betting sites between Dec 2021 & Oct 2023.

The games, hosted on illegal platforms are said to have been organised by a 5 person Milan syndicate, 3 of whom are said to run high-end jewellery operations.
It is alleged bettors placed orders for expensive items from said stores but the products were never delivered, the 'suggestion' being jewellery stores were used as 'banks' thus circumventing Italian Customs & Monopolies Agency regulations, mmmm, hope his new Porsche aint hookey.

[BelfastAndy]

[ozleeds]

James is going to be a big miss

[ozleeds]

Woah that was quick

[hopelesslyoptimistic]

What a hit

[ozleeds]

Ffs

[Rev72]

Great start instantly ruined Firpo that was piss poor

[Rev72]

Get in !