We know’… Championship manager admits his side are more likely to lose than win when they face Leeds

Ryan Lowe, the manager of Preston North End, thinks there is no way his team will defeat Leeds United.

On Boxing Day, Leeds go to Deepdale, and in the lead-up to Friday’s away game against Swansea City, Lowe has been talking about his team’s holiday season.

Leeds, save from fellow relegated sides Leicester City and Southampton, have a squad that cost far more than many other teams in the division thanks to players like Georginio Rutter, Dan James, and Joel Piroe forming a “unplayable” front three.

In an interview with BBC Lancashire Sport, Lowe expressed his belief that North End will need to devise a unique strategy to counter Leeds during their Boxing Day encounter.

It’s unclear what kind of approach Sunderland and Coventry City will use, since they both had to dig deep to win the past two games Leeds have played.

Lowe’s remarks highlight the challenges Leeds faces.
“We have Sheffield Wednesday, Sunderland on New Year’s Day, Swansea, Leeds, which we know is going to be a tough one,” he stated. Can one win them all? Indeed. Can any of them be lost? They are, of course.

Are you able to draw? Of course. With the possible exception of Leeds, most games are 50/50. However, we are aware that in order to win that Leeds match, we must devise a strategy that works for us.

Leeds’ roster undoubtedly gives them an advantage over most of the division, but this just serves to underline the opponents they face each week.

Since Leeds hasn’t yet figured out a reliable method to get past low blocks, teams must sit deep in order to have a chance of stopping their attack.

Leeds is the strongest counterattacking squad in the division, according to Enzo Maresca, thus there’s not much need for anyone outside of the elite teams to expose themselves to Daniel Farke’s team.