Leeds United play host Preston North End in the Championship on Sunday afternoon looking to remain in the hunt for the automatic promotion places.
At a time when the Yorkshire giants occupy fourth place in the standings, Preston are down in 12th spot, albeit just two points adrift of the playoffs.
Match preview
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Since the arrival of Daniel Farke in the summer, Leeds have proven to be somewhat of a streaky team, with their current run of three successive wins the fourth such one of 2023-24.
That means that supporters will not get overly excited just yet, but posting three 3-0 victories in a row is perhaps reason to be optimistic.
Birmingham City, Peterborough United and Cardiff City have all been ruthlessly dispatched after a run of just one triumph in five matches.
A favourable FA Cup fourth round tie with Plymouth Argyle is to come at the end of the month, but Farke will insist that full focus is placed on improving their position in the league.
Despite being unbeaten in 13 Championship fixtures at Elland Road in 2023-24, Leeds remain 14 points adrift of leaders Leicester City and seven adrift of second-placed Ipswich Town.
In sharp contrast, Preston have developed a habit of putting together losing streaks, with a total of eight defeats coming from their last 12 fixtures in all competitions.
On a positive note, though, Ryan Lowe witnessed his team record a 2-0 triumph over Bristol City at Deepdale last weekend, keeping them in the hunt for the top six.
Preston have not recorded consecutive victories since the first half of November, highlighting the magnitude of their drop off in form since their blistering start.
Nevertheless, Lowe will be content with remaining in close proximity for the playoffs, with Preston possessing a -11 goal difference yet still being within a couple of wins of potentially moving back into real contention.
Team News
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Barring any further fitness issues, Farke could stick with the same Leeds XI from the win over Cardiff.
Even if Liam Cooper recovers from a groin injury, Ethan Ampadu may remain in central defence and Ilia Gruev in the engine room.
With Patrick Bamford again getting on the scoresheet versus the Bluebirds, Joel Piroe faces remaining on the substitutes' bench.
Will Keane will almost certainly be restored to the Preston XI on the back of his two goals against Bristol City.
Mads Frokjaer-Jensen is also in contention for a recall, but Lowe may still err on the side of caution regarding handing a start to Emil Riis, despite the forward having made four substitute appearances after a serious knee injury since December 29.
Leeds United possible starting lineup:
Meslier; Gray, Rodon, Ampadu, Firpo; Gruev, Kamara; James, Rutter, Summerville; Bamford
Preston North End possible starting lineup:
Woodman; Potts, Storey, Lindsay, Hughes; Whiteman; Holmes, Frokjaer-Jensen, McCann, Millar; Keane
We say: Leeds United 3-0 Preston North End
While Preston have the capabilities to cause a surprise at Elland Road, it seems unlikely based on recent form. Leeds are back to building up a head of steam and we are predicting that a fourth successive 3-0 victory will be posted on Sunday.
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Top tip
Darren Plant
