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Leeds team news vs Preston: Predicted line up – Hernandez injury latest, Roofe to start
LEEDS are expected to be without Pablo Hernandez when they face Preston at Deepdale tonight (7.45pm).
Marcelo Bielsa’s side are looking to bounce back after a shock 1-0 defeat to Birmingham on Saturday.
The Whites are currently a point behind second-place Sheffield United and a further seven behind Championship leaders Norwich with six games of the season remaining.
Star man Hernandez suffered an ankle injury last time out at St Andrews and is a major doubt to face Preston, having been spotted leaving the stadium wearing a protective boot.
However, top scorer Kemar Roofe could return to the starting XI after making his comeback from two months out due to a knee injury at the weekend.
Speaking about the his team selection, Bielsa said: "There is a possibility that Pablo cannot play the game. Roofe will play in his position if Hernandez cannot play."
”He [Roofe] missed a lot of time. The minutes he had in the previous game were minutes without much space.
“To get to his usual performance level, he has to play.
“We cannot verify his level in training but he has done very high work and is in very good physical condition."
Jack Harrison could therefore swap flanks and line up on the right of midfield with Ezgjan Alioski moving forward from left-back.
Barry Douglas should come into the side and complete the back four alongside Liam Cooper, Pontus Jansson and Luke Ayling.
Kalvin Phillips is expected to shield the defence while Tyler Roberts and Mateusz Klich will line up in central midfield.
Leeds have only lost consecutive league matches once this season and are favourites to pick up all three points tonight with Preston currently down in 10th.
Leeds United predicted line-up vs Preston North End – Championship
(4-1-4-1): Casilla; Aylin, Jansson, Cooper, Douglas; Phillips; Harrison, Roberts, Klich, Alioski; Roofe