Preston North End v Leeds United Match Thread

[Ellandback1]

Preston North End v Leeds United
Saturday 14th December 12:30pm | Deepdale


Leeds United travel to Deepdale on Saturday lunchtime with revenge on their minds as they face Preston North End. Last season’s Boxing Day clash between the two sides left a bitter taste for the Whites, as Illan Meslier’s controversial red card swung the match in Preston’s favor. The Leeds goalkeeper was dismissed early in the second half after an altercation with Milutin Osmajić, whose theatrics on the ground prompted the referee’s decision. Although Leeds claimed victory in the reverse fixture a month later, many fans still wonder what might have been without Osmajić’s dramatics influencing the first encounter. Osmajic missed the eight games earlier this season after being banned by the FA for biting Blackburn’s Owen Beck in the Lancashire derby in September.

Preston’s physical style has earned them a reputation as tough competitors, though they sit twelve places and nineteen points behind Leeds in the table. Paul Heckingbottom’s side relies on grit over flair and will be looking to frustrate Leeds once again. Former White Sam Greenwood has impressed at Deepdale with four goals and two assists but will miss the match due to loan terms. Injuries to Robbie Brady and Ched Evans further weaken Preston, while Leeds also face fitness concerns with Junior Firpo and Ilia Gruev still ruled out, and late decisions needed on players like Jayden Bogle, Sam Byram, and Max Wöber.





Leeds manager Daniel Farke acknowledged the packed schedule ahead of the clash, with this being the third game in seven days. Players like Wöber and Byram are being closely monitored due to knocks, while Jayden Bogle faces a late fitness test. Farke expressed hope of having a strong squad available but remains cautious about overloading returning players. He also praised Preston’s fighting spirit and warned of the difficulties of competing at Deepdale, where the hosts are unbeaten in five.

Reflecting on Leeds’ solid away form this season, Farke emphasized the importance of consistency and adaptability. “We’re on a good run, but momentum can change quickly. We go into every game looking to win—and if not possible, we’ll ensure we don’t lose it.” With Leeds aiming to maintain pressure on the Championship’s top four, Saturday’s early kick-off presents another test of their promotion credentials. Fans will be hoping for a strong response and, perhaps, a measure of revenge against a familiar foe.


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[Ellandback1]

Milutin Osmajic's eight match ban last month for biting Blackburn's Owen Beck. Watch all the way through...

[Irish Ian]

In the absence of Jaydog.

The Montenegran bites Beck!

[CUSSIE01]

Suarezesque, expecting plenty of the same on Saturday. I hope DF’s coaching sessions this week involve plenty of falling over theatrically, screaming in pain, diving in the penalty area, shithousery and dark arts.

[Ellandback1]

Suarezesque, expecting plenty of the same on Saturday. I hope DF’s coaching sessions this week involve plenty of falling over theatrically, screaming in pain, diving in the penalty area, shithousery and dark arts.

Preston's style of thuggery, mixed with amateur dramatics will make it difficult for Leeds

[Cjay]

Farke's here - Team news

Busy week. Third game in seven days. Early kick-off. Some late decisions. Those who played 90 on Tuesday have only had recovery sessions. This afternoon will be a proper session, and we will make decisions there.

Several players with knocks and question marks. Wober, busy week, first time in the line-up for ages. Can he do three in seven? I can't say yes at the moment because my knee was swollen after the last game. Hope he can train. Same with Byram. Some cramps. Looks better.

Bogle has improved. Session to test him today. Tests for many players today before decisions on tomorrow. I hope they are all available apart from our long-term issues. We have to wait and see.



Decisions tomorrow morning?

We take data every day. Some complicated numbers on recovery status. A player's blood. Professional in these terms. I do not pick the line-up purely on this, but I take it into account and focus on training performance.

Will be clear this evening on my line-up, but final chats in the morning to firm it up.



Preston draw specialists - thoughts?

Always difficult there. Been there many times. Always competitive. Never easy. Experienced manager in Paul. Good players. Always fighting spirit. Good away win. Five unbeaten. Always tight. Every game on this level is difficult. Especially an away game at Preston



Greenwood

Pleased for Sam. Great human being. Lots of potential and at his age he needs to play every week. Good for us he is not playing. We could not guarantee him minutes, but so pleased he is getting that there. Important player for them. Good for his development and value. Football can write stories if he did play.



Transfer market - considered recalling loanees?

No, in general, I am not a fan of sending out loans for a few months. They need a full year. I want them to develop their personality and fight against the odds if they are not playing. A proper year is important for development.




Firpo injury

Still, the four to six-week prognosis was originally given.

[Discussed his future?]

No time to discuss this with so many games. There will be a moment to speak about this topic. He had a difficult start to life here. Developed fantastically. Taken on more responsibility. Much too early to speak about anything beyond the summer. Let's focus on getting fit again.

Suspensions were not ideal. Most important topic for him is now finding his rhythm and recovering.



The league table and Sheffield United

Not just them. They are impressive so far. Burnley, Sunderland, Boro and Blackburn too. West Brom. So many good sides and still some lurking. Some speculation pre-season this could be easier. Not at all.

We are on a good run, but the momentum can change quickly at this level. Always have to do the basics well in this league.




Challenge of managing players through these kick-off times?

Yes, it's a challenge. The difference between early and late kick-offs is huge. Nutrition needs to be there for early games straight after breakfast. I do not want anyone to feel sorry for the players. They earn a lot of money and play for Leeds, so they have to be professional. Early games can make life hard for our fans too, but it's possible to play well in these early matches.

[Ellandback1]

What Farke said about not wanting to send players out on loan for 'a few months' (actually 5), so the likes of Chambers, Crew, Joffy and Debayo all rot!

There's a reason why players like Louis Barry have progressed. He's gone out every window since he was 18, picking up experience, getting stronger and reading the game.

[andrewjohnsmith]

What Farke said about not wanting to send players out on loan for 'a few months' (actually 5), so the likes of Chambers, Crew, Joffy and Debayo all rot!

There's a reason why players like Louis Barry have progressed. He's gone out every window since he was 18, picking up experience, getting stronger and reading the game.

I think Joffy is the only one that's relevant in that discussion. And agree wholeheartedly that he's been allowed to rot.

As for Chambers, Crew, and Debayo, they were barely experienced at 21's level. All were key members of the 18's last season. I think this is a good year for them to play u21's and have some kick arounds with the first team. Next season would be the best time for them to go out on loan.

[andrewjohnsmith]

Most questions seems to be around full backs

Sounds like a case of fittest man available on both sides - 2 from Bogle, Byram, Wober. And next in line, I'm not sure.

[Ellandback1]

I think Joffy is the only one that's relevant in that discussion. And agree wholeheartedly that he's been allowed to rot.

As for Chambers, Crew, and Debayo, they were barely experienced at 21's level. All were key members of the 18's last season. I think this is a good year for them to play u21's and have some kick arounds with the first team. Next season would be the best time for them to go out on loan.

The Under 21 league is terrible. Crew and Debayo have 5 minutes of league game time between them. Why not send them to a league 2 side where they're going to get lots of game time, and help them develop.

[Jaydog]

In the absence of Jaydog.

The Montenegran bites Beck!

Its a little known fact but PNE used to be called “the Gnashers” which was changed to “the Lilyshites” sorry “the Lilywhites” primarily because of their propensity to bite the opposition with their white teeth.
Absolutely true guv.

15k fine. Ouch. A Wagyu ribeye is cheaper.

[andrewjohnsmith]

The Under 21 league is terrible. Crew and Debayo have 5 minutes of league game time between them. Why not send them to a league 2 side where they're going to get lots of game time, and help them develop.

Would agree if we make a couple more signings. Our u21 is the most inexperienced it's been in a few years. As it is there's not really anyone Farke can call on as back up. So unless we add a couple of senior bodies, we need them around

[Ellandback1]

Would agree if we make a couple more signings. Our u21 is the most inexperienced it's been in a few years. As it is there's not really anyone Farke can call on as back up. So unless we add a couple of senior bodies, we need them around

We've had so many injuries that Farke has taken the unprecedented steps of bringing in an out of contract player, whilst Crew and Debayo have 5 minutes of league time between them.

[Jammy 07]

We've had so many injuries that Farke has taken the unprecedented steps of bringing in an out of contract player, whilst Crew and Debayo have 5 minutes of league time between them.

Your desire to see the development of our youth is admirable but please also understand that should further injuries or suspensions have occurred those 2 players would have been starting. Now given we have to field 11 players plus hopefully 9 substitutes it would be absolute folly to send our best youngsters out on loan and risk having to name U16 players in the match day squad.

[andrewjohnsmith]

We've had so many injuries that Farke has taken the unprecedented steps of bringing in an out of contract player, whilst Crew and Debayo have 5 minutes of league time between them.

Even since Guilavogui came in, there have been games when all three have been on the bench

[Irish Ian]

15k fine. Ouch. A Wagyu ribeye is cheaper.

Aint that the tooth

[Jammy 07]

Game day and the match thread is a little bit flat to say the least.

These bloody 12-30 KO just seem to set the tone and it's not a lively one.

[Sean_Nile]

15k fine. Ouch. A Wagyu ribeye is cheaper.

Did he get chewed out by the ref?

[Jaydog]

Did he get chewed out by the ref?

Sounds more like something football expert The Pope would do.

[Barlow Boy]