All you need to know about Leeds United ahead of Preston clash

Leeds United are the visitors to Deepdale on Tuesday night with Paul Heckingbottom's side looking to end a disappointing campaign on a high.
Leeds United boss Paul Heckingbottom.Leeds United boss Paul Heckingbottom.
Leeds United boss Paul Heckingbottom.

The Yorkshire Evening Post's Joe Urquhart answers some key questions ahead of the Championship clash.

Who are the key men for Leeds?

In an attacking sense Pablo Hernandez has proved to be one of the most consistent threats for Leeds going forward, cutting in off the left he scored a wonderful goal to rescue a point against Sunderland at the weekend in a 1-1 draw. Fellow Spaniard Samuel Saiz, who plays as a No 10, began the campaign in red hot form after arriving at Elland Road in the summer but following his dismissal and six-game ban for spitting at Newport County in the FA Cup he has failed to hit the same heights.

Leeds United goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell.Leeds United goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell.
Leeds United goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell.

What is Leeds' recent form like?

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Well, in a nutshell it is shocking. Over the last 17 Championship games Leeds have picked up just 12 points which is the joint-worst in the division alongside relegation-threatened Burton Albion.

One player to watch

Goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell, 21, has come into the Leeds starting XI for the last six league fixtures after United's well documented troubles between the sticks. The youngster has been a major positive in recent weeks and produced a man of the match display against Sunderland at the weekend in which he pulled off three notable saves in the last 10 minutes.

Leeds United goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell.Leeds United goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell.
Leeds United goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell.

What is the feeling among the fan base at the moment?

Frustration, anger, disappointment... the list could go on. Leeds hit top spot in the Championship last September following a serious summer overhaul with new owner Andrea Radrizzani completing his takeover. The playing squad was completely revamped and new manager, Thomas Christiansen, chosen after Garry Monk's team narrowly missed out on the play-offs last year, promised plenty. But the fans have been left to pick up the pieces of a campaign that promised so much yet has delivered so little and Paul Heckingbottom has been fighting an uphill battle since his arrival in early February.

What is Paul Heckingbottom's management style?

Paul Heckingbottom more often than not has lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation but has tried the old-fashioned 4-4-2 recently as United's struggles in front of goal have continued. Leeds returned to his favoured formation for the trip to Fulham and visit of Sunderland on Saturday. It is really difficult to pick out what impact his management style has had as yet with the New Year slump, which ultimately cost Thomas Christiansen his job, having continued in the fashion it has. The former Barnsley boss is yet to really imprint his ideas onto a squad that isn't his and once the summer begins we may start to see more of the 'no fear' approach he wants his side to have going forward once he starts to bring in players he believes are up to the task at Elland Road.