While much of the attention is on the Premier League over the festive period, it is a very important time for teams in the Championship. This is especially the case for those chasing promotion and on Boxing Day we have a match between two teams pushing for a place in the Premier League next season.
Leeds United host Preston North End at Elland Road in one of the biggest championship fixtures over Christmas.
Leeds United come into the game sitting in 2nd place in the Championship, 3 points behind leaders West Bromwich Albion. Preston North End are in 4th place on 38 points which leaves them 9 points adrift of their opponents.
Leeds United faced a difficult trip to Fulham on the weekend and came away with a 2-1 defeat. Having conceded an early goal, Leeds United forced their way back into the game with an equaliser in the second half but conceded again in the 69th minute to lose the game. It was the second disappointing result in succession having thrown away a 3-0 lead at home against Cardiff City to draw the match 3-3.
However, the defeat at Fulham was their first in their last 12 Championship games and Leeds United will be hoping to return to winning ways quickly. Trends show Leeds United are undefeated in their last 8 home championship matches, including 6 wins. They have scored 2 or more goals in each of their last 5 Championship games at Elland Road.
Preston North End travelled south to play Cardiff City on the weekend and came away with a point thanks to a 0-0 draw. It was a decent result and keeps them in the playoff picture this season. Preston North End come into this match undefeated in their last 3 championship games, including 2 victories which came at home against Fulham and Luton Town. The 2-1 victory over Fulham was a very good result.
However, Preston North End have struggled away from home in recent matches, picking up just one point from the last 12 available. Prior to the draw at Cardiff City, Preston North End were defeated at Derby County, Hull City and Queens Park Rangers. Preston North End failed to score a single goal across those 3 games and are on a run of 4 away championship matches without finding the back of the net.
Team news and Leeds United have little in the way of injury concerns ahead of this match and it will be case of which players require a rest during this hectic period.
Preston North End will be without the suspended Joe Rafferty as the right-back saw red in the win over Fulham. He is the only unavailable player for the visitors.
Preston North End will be hoping to keep up their unbeaten run and a draw from this game would be considered an excellent result. However, Leeds United are very strong at home and will be eager to bounce back from their defeat at Fulham on the weekend. A home win to nil seems like a decent prediction for this game.