Preston vs Leeds prediction 26.12.2023

• Competition: Championship 
• Date: Tuesday, 26th December 2023
• Kickoff: 12:30 UK / 13:30 CET
• Venue: Deepdale (Preston)

Ever since their return to the Championship in 2015, Preston has consistently been a mid-table team, a trend that continues this season. They currently sit 13th on the table and are a mere four points away from a playoff spot, a position they could potentially secure if they manage to sustain a good rhythm for the remainder of the season. Their greatest hurdle, however, is their defense which has conceded nearly two goals per game, with a total of 40 goals conceded in 23 matches. This is a problem they need to rectify if they hope to climb higher in the standings. Recently, their performance has been lackluster, having won just one match out of the last seven. In their previous match, they suffered a 2-1 defeat on the road at the hands of Swansea, with the deciding goal scored by Jamie Paterson of Swansea in the 90+5th minute.

After their Premier League status was lost, Leeds’ sole objective was to make a comeback to the top-tier English competition. Daniel Farke’s squad had a shaky start to the season, but they steadily improved with every match, placing Leeds 3rd on the table with 45 points. While securing a playoff spot should be relatively easy for them, they are definitely aiming to achieve the second position that would provide direct entry to the Premier League. Leeds has suffered only one defeat in their last ten games. In their most recent match, they claimed a resounding 4-0 victory at home over Ipswich. As Ipswich currently holds the second position on the table, this impressive win should boost Leeds’ confidence heading into their game against Preston.

Preston vs Leeds pick: Leeds to win and cover AH -1 spread

Preston is facing significant issues in their defense, having conceded 16 goals in their last seven matches. Meanwhile, Leeds only allowed eight goals in their past ten games. Leeds’ performance is far superior to Preston’s, making it likely that the visitors will win and cover the AH -1 spread. This should be the safest bet for this match.