Bottom-placed Preston North End are hoping to end the 14-match winless run and close the gap behind relegation rivals by beating Leeds, which is obviously easier said than done. The Whites, on the other hand, want to further improve their league position and edge closer to the promotion places, so we should see a very interesting game at Deepdale.

Preston destined for relegation

Despite establishing themselves as one of the most consistent Championship sides during the last decade, Preston North End have seen a major downtrend in fortunes this season and everything suggests they won’t be able to escape relegation to League One. There are still 12 more rounds to be played before the season ends but the 10-point gap behind safety looks too much for the Lilywhites, especially considering the fact they are yet to record a victory in 2011. The players are completely low on confidence after going for 14 matches without a win and they now face an uphill task against one of the best sides in the second tier of English football. Having lost five out of last seven home games, Preston don’t have much to hope for at the moment, especially as boss Phil Brown faces numerous selection problems.

Phil Brown has almost half of the squad doubtful for this clash, which is likely to damage team’s chances of getting something from this match. Keeper Andy Lonergan, defender Craig Morgan and striker Nathan Ellington missed the Norwich game through injuries and remain doubts, while Barry Nicholson, Leon Cort, David Gray, Sean St Ledger and Billy Jones all picked up knocks against Norwich and at least few of them will miss this game.

Leeds back to where they belong

Following the relegation from the Premier League some ten years ago, Leeds United needed quite a while to rally the troops and start climbing the league system, but after the club set their mind on getting back to England’s top tier, nobody have been able to stop them since. Last season’s FA Cup victory at Old Trafford hinted that we could soon see the Whites in the Premiership and after gaining promotion from League One, Leeds United are determined to make it to the Premier League the very next year. After beating Doncaster at home, the Whites stayed in the play-off places, but five points adrift of the promotion spots and this is a great opportunity to close that gap. On paper, Leeds United boast one of the best squads in the Championship and I certainly believe they can bring three valuable points from Preston.

Defender Paul Connolly is likely to be in contention after recovering from a hamstring injury, while Lloyd Sam is doubtful with a virus that saw him miss the games against Swansea and Norwich.

Verdict

Preston are really low on confidence after the terrible run of results, while the numerous selection worries are making their life even more difficult. Leeds have recovered some of the lost confidence with an impressive win over Doncaster and I believe they have what it takes to win this game as well.

Our prediction: Away win

Odds: 2.25 (5/4)

Bookmaker: Sportingbet