The festive period is in full swing but for the footballing world, there is no rest.
Leeds welcome Preston to Elland Road on Boxing Day as the Whites aim to bounce back from a 2-1 defeat against Fulham last time out.
Marcelo Bielsa’s men spawned 15 chances as their woeful record in London continued.
From 18 matches in the capital since March 2015, they have won just once. As a result, returning to their west Yorkshire home will be a welcome relief.
However, they will have to take part in the game without star man Pablo Hernandez who went off with a muscle problem in the early exchanges last weekend. The Spaniard has not long been back from injury but Bielsa confirmed he’d miss the next month in his presser on Monday afternoon.
With that in mind, we’re tipping the Argentine to change formations to one that has served him well so far this term.
The 64-year-old said earlier this week that in order to make up for the absence of Hernandez, Gjanni Alioski and Stuart Dallas will play in midfield.
The pair featured in that role alongside each other in the 2-0 win against Huddersfield as the North-Macedonian found himself on the score sheet.
It’s a tried and tested formula, even if the formation itself is a strange one.
A move to this system will likely see Leeds operate with a back three of Liam Cooper, Ben White and Luke Ayling. The Whites have conceded five in their last two outings so they’ll be hoping a return to this keeps them more secure.
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Helder Costa was dragged off at half-time at Craven Cottage last weekend but with Hernandez out, he should continue on the right.
Patrick Bamford again leads the line over Eddie Nketiah after scoring six in his last eight matches.
Meanwhile, Leeds’ Jack Clarke replacement is staring them right in the face…
