Same again for Preston and Leeds

Posted Monday, October 21, 2019 by PA

Preston have no new injury or suspension worries for the home game against Leeds.

Skipper Tom Clarke has not played since August after sustaining a knee injury and he suffered a reaction in training last week, while striker Louis Moult is a long-term absentee following an anterior cruciate ligament operation.

The game is likely to come too soon for Tom Bayliss, who has not featured since a substitute appearance in the Carabao Cup clash with Manchester City at the end of September.

Boss Alex Neil said of the summer signing from Coventry: “Tom was injured for a few weeks which nobody was aware of. He’s been back in training for a week or so now, he missed the last (friendly) so we will be looking to get minutes into his legs in the next one.”

Marcelo Bielsa confirmed he will name the same XI that started Leeds’ home win over Birmingham on Saturday.

Playmaker Pablo Hernandez is not expected to be involved, with the Argentinian boss saying: “Tomorrow the team will be the same. We think Pablo is not going to be able to play this week.”

Patrick Bamford will keep his place in attack ahead of Arsenal loanee Eddie Nketiah, who scored a hat-trick for England Under-21s last week but had to settle for a substitute role against Blues.

Captain Liam Cooper is making steady progress in his recovery from a groin injury but is not likely to return until next month.