Leeds United head into what could be a pivotal clash in their pursuit of promotion as they face Preston North End on Saturday, 12 April. Having ended a three-match winless run with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough on Tuesday, 8 April, Leeds now have the opportunity to build on that result and strengthen their position at the top of the Championship table. The victory over Boro was a significant one for the Whites, not just because it gave them a much-needed three points, but also because it allowed them to return to the summit of the Championship after a brief dip in form. With just a handful of games remaining, Leeds cannot afford to let any more opportunities slip away, especially with QPR closing in on them after their 3-1 victory over Oxford United on Wednesday, 9 April.

Preston, who have endured a frustrating four-game winless streak of their own, are currently sitting mid-table in 16th place, far from the playoff picture. On paper, this looks like a match that Leeds should win comfortably, especially considering Preston’s struggles in recent weeks. However, Leeds’ historical record against Preston is far from perfect, and Farke’s side will be aware of the potential danger of underestimating their opponents. Despite their recent poor form, Preston have been known to cause problems for stronger teams, and Leeds must not take this fixture lightly. They’ve only won one of their last five meetings against Preston, a statistic that has left Leeds with an unsettling sense of frustration when facing the Lilywhites in recent seasons. With automatic promotion on the line, Leeds will need to break that trend and ensure they claim all three points if they are to maintain their place at the top of the Championship.

In the eyes of many, this is a must-win game for Leeds, and they cannot afford to drop points, especially given the pressure that comes with a promotion push. As Sam Parkin predicted on Benjamin Bloom’s YouTube channel, Leeds will be “rampant from the off,” looking to take an early lead and dominate from the very first whistle. A convincing 3-0 win would not only be a morale booster for the squad but would also send a strong message to their promotion rivals. It’s been over two months since Leeds last won a game by a margin of three or more goals, and such a statement victory would go a long way in reinforcing their status as one of the top teams in the league.

However, despite Parkin’s optimistic prediction, Leeds will have to address several issues within the squad if they are to claim the dominant victory that many are expecting. While the 1-0 win over Middlesbrough was important, it was clear that the performance didn’t reach the heights that Farke will demand. Leeds could have won by a more comfortable margin, with two goals wrongly disallowed for offside—one by Ao Tanaka and the other by Patrick Bamford. The team needs to be more clinical in front of goal and take every opportunity to punish their opponents.

In addition to finishing chances, Leeds will need to improve the overall level of performance across the pitch, particularly from some key individuals. Brenden Aaronson and Joel Piroe, two players who have been regularly involved in the starting XI, have failed to hit their best form in recent weeks. While Aaronson has provided moments of energy and creativity, his performances have been inconsistent, and he’s often struggled to produce the final product when the team needs it most. Aaronson’s recent displays have been underwhelming, and there are mounting questions over whether he is fully justifying his place in the starting lineup. His lack of contribution in the final third has been one of the more notable concerns for Leeds in recent weeks. Despite showing flashes of skill, Aaronson’s inability to consistently impact matches has seen his stock drop. With players like Willy Gnonto, Mateo Joseph, and Dan James all available to step in, Farke may have no choice but to rotate the squad and drop Aaronson if he doesn’t start to produce the kind of performances Leeds desperately need in the final stretch of the season.

Similarly, Joel Piroe, despite his impressive goal-scoring record earlier in the season, has also struggled to influence games in recent weeks. Piroe is a player who can finish, but his overall contribution to Leeds’ attacking play has been lacking. His inability to link up effectively with the rest of the team has been evident in several matches, and it often feels like he’s disconnected from the rhythm of the game. Piroe’s lack of involvement in build-up play and his tendency to fade in and out of matches make him a less effective option compared to other attacking players. Given that Leeds are looking for a performance that will put them firmly in control of the game from the start, it may be time for Farke to give Piroe a rest and opt for someone like Patrick Bamford, who has shown more consistency and ability to contribute in all areas of the game.

Bamford, while having faced his own challenges with injuries over the past few seasons, showed his worth during his cameo against Middlesbrough. Bamford’s hold-up play, intelligence, and ability to link up with teammates give Leeds a much-needed focal point in attack. His presence up front would offer a greater balance to the team, especially against a Preston defense that may sit deep. Bamford’s potential to bring others into the game—whether through clever layoffs, link-up play, or simply by holding off defenders—makes him a much better fit for Leeds in a match where they’ll need to break down a defensive unit. Piroe, while still a dangerous player, has lacked the sharpness and creativity in recent weeks to justify his continued selection ahead of a player like Bamford, who looked eager and motivated to make an impact against Middlesbrough.

Beyond Bamford’s potential inclusion, Leeds also need to ensure that their midfield remains solid and dynamic. This could be a crucial area of the pitch in the game against Preston, who will likely look to frustrate Leeds by crowding the middle and hitting on the counter. Players like Tyler Adams and Pascal Struijk will need to keep the tempo high and ensure that Leeds can dominate possession while limiting Preston’s opportunities to exploit spaces. If Leeds fail to maintain control in the midfield, they could invite unnecessary pressure on their defense, especially against a team like Preston that thrives on set pieces and counter-attacks.

Defensively, Leeds have looked solid in patches but have occasionally struggled with lapses in concentration. Their clean sheet against Middlesbrough was important, but the team will need to ensure they remain vigilant against Preston’s counter-attacking threats. While Preston’s attacking output has been inconsistent, they still have players who can punish defensive mistakes, and Leeds must be careful not to gift them easy chances. If Leeds are to secure the comfortable victory that their promotion challenge demands, they must ensure they are defensively organized and focused throughout the match.

Overall, Leeds United cannot afford to let their guard down in this match. Despite Preston’s poor form, they are still a team capable of causing problems, and Leeds must be on their toes from the first whistle. With the promotion race this tight, any slip-up could prove costly, and Farke will need to make sure that his side is fully prepared to give a complete performance. If Leeds play to their potential, with players like Bamford and Adams leading by example, they should have more than enough to see off Preston and return to winning ways in front of a home crowd. With automatic promotion still very much within their grasp, Leeds have to prove they have the mentality and quality to handle the pressure and finish the season strongly.