Leeds United head to Deepdale in search of a return to the top of the Championship table, albeit temporarily, as they take on Preston North End.
With Sheffield United playing later, Daniel Farke’s side knows a win or draw would pile the pressure on the league leaders.
Paul Heckingbottom’s Preston, sitting 14th, have had a turbulent season, including a managerial change early on. They recently broke a winless streak with a 2-0 victory over Cardiff.
Call it a ‘pride-salvaging’ victory because in all honesty they have one of the league’s lowest scoring-records so far this season.
Up next, they host Leeds, who have been in stellar form, winning seven of their last 10 games. While their home dominance is unquestionable, their away form has been patchy, with just one win in their previous six road trips. Farke will hope to change that against a struggling Preston side.
With Leeds boasting the Championship’s most prolific attack and Preston looking to build momentum, this clash promises contrasting styles.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Preston North End vs. Leeds live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this Championship match in the U.S.:
This game is not available for live TV broadcast in the English language in US. Streaming options are available on Paramount+, which is offering a FREE trial for new subscribers.
What time does Preston North End vs. Leeds kick off?
This EFL Championship clash takes place at the Deepdale Stadium in Preston, England and kicks off on Saturday, December 14 at 12:30 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Sat, Dec. 14 | 7:30 a.m. |
| Central Time | Sat, Dec. 14 | 6:30 a.m. |
| Mountain Time | Sat, Dec. 14 | 5:30 a.m. |
| Pacific Time | Sat, Dec. 14 | 4:30 a.m. |
Preston North End vs. Leeds lineups, team news
Preston’s Milutin Osmajic broke his goal drought midweek against Cardiff but may start on the bench again as Paul Heckingbottom rotates his options.
Meanwhile, Robbie Brady remains sidelined with an ankle issue, and Ched Evans is out until later this month.
Preston North End predicted XI (5-3-2, right to left): Woodman (GK) — Kesler-Hayden, Hughes, Whatmough, Storey, Potts — Thordarson, Frokjaer-Jensen, McCann — Riis Jakobsen, Greenwood.
Injured: Evans (doubtful)
Suspended: None
In the away camp, Leeds face injury challenges of their own, with Joe Gelhardt ruled out until the end of December.
Junior Firpo and Ilia Gruev are also unavailable, with they are not expected to return any time sooner than in January.
Leeds predicted XI (4-5-1 right to left): Meslier (GK) — Wober, Struijk, Rodon, Bogle — Tanaka, Rothwell, James, Aaronson, Gnonto — Joseph.
Injured: Gruev (knee), Gelhardt (hip), Firpo (hamstring)
Suspended: None
Preston North End vs. Leeds prediction
The absence of experienced players on both sides adds intrigue to this clash, with depth set to play a crucial role.
If Preston can capitalize on Leeds’ defensive gaps they would have a chance, but so far, at least on paper, the visitors look like they have an edge in this competition.
Prediction: Preston 1-2 Leeds
EFL Championship fixture schedule this week
All times ET
Saturday, December 14
- Bristol vs. Queens Park Rangers (7:30 a.m.)
- Coventry vs. Hull (7:30 a.m.)
- Preston North End vs. Leeds (7:30 a.m.)
- Blackburn Rovers vs. Luton Town (10:00 a.m.)
- Middlesborough vs. Millwall (10:00 a.m.)
- Oxford United vs. Sheffield Wednesday (10:00 a.m.)
- Sheffield United vs. Plymouth Argyle (10:00 a.m.)
- Stoke vs. Cardiff (10:00 a.m.)
- Swansea vs. Sunderland (10:00 a.m.)
Sunday, December 15
- Watford vs. West Bromwich Albion (9:00 a.m.)
- Norwich vs. Burnley (10:00 a.m.)
