Leeds United will be happy to be back at Elland Road following a disappointing week on the road that has put their play-off spot under threat.
The Whites suffered successive defeats on their travels as they were beaten 1-0 by fellow top six side Reading at the Madejski Stadium last Saturday, before losing 2-0 against Brentford at Griffin Park on Tuesday night.
The lack of goals and creativity in those two performances will be a concern for manager Garry Monk, but he knows that his side are stronger at home than they have been away this term having taken 42 of their 69 league points on home turf.
Perhaps low on confidence, beating in-form Preston North End could prove to be something of a challenge.
Simon Grayson’s men are just five points adrift of sixth-placed Sheffield Wednesday – and eight of their weekend opponents – with six matches of the season remaining.
The Lilywhites showed their strength by beating Bristol City 5-0 in midweek, and come into the clash at Elland Road unbeaten in their last five fixtures.
Here are THREE Preston players that could help extend Leeds’ losing run…
Callum Robinson
The 22-year-old only joined Preston on a permanent deal from Aston Villa last summer, but he has probably been one of Preston’s best players this season.
The forward has scored ten goals and provided two assists in 37 Championship appearances this term, he is one to watch at the weekend.
Robinson will come into this clash full of confidence after scoring a brace – as well as winning a penalty – in the 5-0 thrashing of Bristol City in midweek.
Aiden McGeady
The 31-year-old moved to Deepdale on a season-long loan deal from Everton last summer in order to get some regular first-team football, and he has certainly done that under Simon Grayson.
The winger is starting to display some of the form that he has shown previously in his career, and he won the Championship Player of the Month award for February.
After scoring six goals and providing seven assists in 26 league appearances this term, the winger will be one that the Leeds defence need to keep a close eye on at Elland Road.
Tom Barkhuizen
The 23-year-old striker only made his debut for Preston in January after he was released from his contract with Morecambe in November as the League Two outfit hit financial difficulties.
The attacker has scored six goals in just eleven Championship appearances since – including the opener in the 5-0 win against Bristol City during the week – and he will come into the clash at Elland Road brimming with confidence as he looks to help his side snatch a play-off spot.