Leeds vs. Preston Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 12 April 2025

This upcoming Championship clash on 12 April 2025, at Elland Road, sees league leaders Leeds United take on 16th-placed Preston North End. Kicking off at 12:30, this match is pivotal for Leeds as they aim to maintain their top spot.

Leeds, under the guidance of Daniel Farke, have been in fine form, unbeaten in their last five matches (WDDDW). With 85 points and a solid defense – conceding just 0.7 goals on average per match – they are certainly favorites. Joël Piroe, Leeds’ top scorer with 15 goals, will be a key player.

Preston, on the other hand, have had a mixed season. Paul Heckingbottom’s side are currently on 49 points and have not kept a clean sheet in their last five outings. Their star player, Emil Riis Jakobsen, has netted 10 goals this season but will need support to challenge Leeds’ sturdy backline.

With Leeds having won their last home match against Preston 2-1 and given their home advantage, we recommend betting on Leeds to set the pace early. The suggested bet is Leeds -0.25 in the first half (AH).

Leeds vs Preston Prediction & Betting Tip

• Leeds have not lost in their last 5 matches.
• Leeds are significantly stronger, being top of the league while Preston are in 16th place.
• Leeds won their last home encounter against Preston with a score of 2-1.

Given these factors, betting on Leeds to set the pace early in this match seems a solid choice.

Leeds vs Preston Odds

Leeds are clear favourites to win this match, according to the bookmakers. Sitting at the top of the Championship table, Leeds have been in strong form and have the home advantage at Elland Road.

Preston are seen as underdogs with long odds, given their current 16th position and recent form.

For those considering a bet, a draw offers a substantial return but seems unlikely given past performances and Leeds’ strong track record at home.

Leeds Team Analysis

Leeds Recent Performance

Leeds United have shown a solid run of form recently, with their record in the last five matches standing at 2 wins and 3 draws (WDDDW).
They have managed to score an average of 1.60 goals per game and kept 2 clean sheets in this period. Their defensive resilience has been commendable, conceding only 0.7 goals on average across the season.
Leading the Championship table with 85 points, Leeds are clearly the team to beat and are setting a strong pace in their push for promotion.
Key victories include a 1-0 win against Middlesbrough and a 2-0 home triumph over Millwall.

Leeds Key Players

Leeds United are blessed with a formidable squad led by head coach Daniel Farke. Key players to watch include:

• Joël Piroe: The top scorer with 15 goals this season. His clinical finishing makes him a constant threat to Preston’s defence.
• Brenden Aaronson: Integral in the midfield, providing creativity and linking play between defence and attack.
• Manor Solomon: A pacey winger who can trouble opposition full-backs and whip in dangerous crosses.
  Key individual battles could see Piroe trying to outmaneuver Preston’s defenders, while Aaronson and Solomon aim to control the game’s tempo.

Expected lineup for Leeds United:

• Goalkeeper: Karl Darlow
• Defenders: Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu, Junior Firpo
• Midfielders: Ao Tanaka, Ilia Gruev, Brenden Aaronson, Manor Solomon
• Attackers: Wilfried Gnonto, Joël Piroe

All eyes will be on these players to deliver a solid performance and maintain their lead in the Championship.

Leeds Suspensions & Injuries

Leeds United have some injury concerns ahead of their clash against Preston, which might affect their squad depth and player selection.

Missing Pascal Struijk and Daniel James could be significant for Leeds. Struijk’s absence in defense means that the backline might lack some of its regular stability, while Daniel James, known for his pace and attacking prowess, will be missed in the offensive department.

Leeds will need players like Ethan Ampadu and Manor Solomon to step up and fill these crucial gaps to maintain their dominant form.

Leeds Tactics and Formation

Leeds Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Joël Piroe
• Midfield Trio: Wilfried Gnonto, Brenden Aaronson, Manor Solomon
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and early goal-scoring initiatives

Leeds, under the guidance of Daniel Farke, are expected to field a 4-2-3-1 formation. This setup aims to harness the attacking prowess of Joël Piroe, the team’s top scorer with 15 goals this season. The midfield, composed of Wilfried Gnonto, Brenden Aaronson, and Manor Solomon, is designed to provide both creativity and width. Defensively, the backline has been reliable, maintaining solid form with two clean sheets in their last five matches. Their strategy often involves high pressing and seeking early goals to unsettle the opposition, a tactic that has contributed significantly to their top-of-the-table standing.

Preston Team Analysis

Preston Recent Performance

In their recent form, Preston have shown mixed results with one win, two draws, and two losses. Their recent performance is captured below:

Preston have struggled defensively, failing to keep a clean sheet in any of their last five games. Their average goals scored in these matches is 1.00, showing some offensive capability but highlighting a need for improvement at the back. These recent performances indicate a need for consistency as they aim to climb above their current 16th position in the league table.

Preston Key Players

Preston will rely heavily on their key forward, Emil Riis Jakobsen, who has netted 10 goals this season. His partnership with Will Keane up front will be critical as they try to break through Leeds’ solid defense.
Midfield dynamo Ben Whiteman will play an essential role in linking up play and providing defensive cover. Watch out for his battles with Leeds’ attacking midfielders like Brenden Aaronson.

Expected lineup for Preston:

• Goalkeeper: David Cornell
• Defenders: Ryan Porteous, Lewis Gibson, Andrew Hughes
• Midfielders: Kaine Kesler-Hayden, Stefan Thordarson, Ben Whiteman, Robert Brady, Mads Frøkjær-Jensen
• Attackers: Will Keane, Milutin Osmajic

With their key players set to play pivotal roles, Preston will need to be at their best to challenge the league leaders.

Preston Suspensions & Injuries

Preston faces a challenging situation with several key players sidelined due to injuries, which could impact their performance against Leeds.

The absence of Freddie Woodman, their first-choice goalkeeper, is a big blow, leaving David Cornell to step up between the sticks. With key midfielders like Jack Whatmough and Alistair McCann out, Preston may struggle to maintain the midfield balance, pressuring Ben Whiteman and others to fill the gaps. These injuries might weaken Preston’s defensive and offensive capabilities against a top-tier Leeds side.

Preston Tactics and Formation

Preston’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-5-2
• Key Forwards: Will Keane and Milutin Osmajic
• Midfield Five: Kaine Kesler-Hayden, Stefán Teitur Thórdarson, Ben Whiteman, Mads Frøkjær-Jensen, Robert Brady
• Defensive Line: Ryan Porteous, Lewis Gibson, Andrew Hughes
• Goalkeeper: David Cornell

Preston operates with a solid 3-5-2 formation, aiming to balance defence and attack. The key players, Will Keane and Milutin Osmajic, lead the forward line, looking to exploit any openings Leeds might provide. In midfield, Ben Whiteman is the linchpin, supported by the dynamic wing-backs Kaine Kesler-Hayden and Robert Brady. However, the absence of injured players could test the depth and resilience of their midfield. Defensively, Porteous, Gibson, and Hughes form a three-man backline tasked with containing Leeds’ potent attack. Cornell, stepping up due to Woodman’s injury, needs to be sharp between the sticks to withstand Leeds’ pressure. Overall, Preston’s tactics will focus on maintaining a compact and organized structure to counter Leeds effectively.

Leeds vs Preston Head-to-Head Statistics

In their last five meetings, Leeds and Preston have had tightly contested matches, with Leeds winning once, losing once, and drawing three times.

Leeds have the edge playing at home, as seen in their last encounter at Elland Road, ending in a 2-1 victory for the Whites.

Recent history suggests Leeds’ home advantage might be a crucial factor in the upcoming clash.

Odds accurate as of 04.10.2025 12:31, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.