Joel Piroe decision to be made ahead of Preston v Leeds United. Credit: Imago

Piroe decision crucial ahead of Preston v Leeds United, victory relies on it

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on:

12 Dec 2024, 8:10 am

Daniel Farke could be about to throw three points down the drain if he makes the wrong decision ahead of Preston versus Leeds United on Saturday.

The Whites are back to winning ways following a 2-0 win over Derby County followed by a thrilling 3-1 win over Middlesbrough on Tuesday 10 December.

Supporters were disappointed after facing defeat to Blackburn Rovers and Farke will want to avoid any more slip-ups during the congested winter period, especially as the promotion race heats up.

Although Sheffield United have retaken the top spot in the Championship, having beaten Millwall 1-0 on Wednesday 11 December, Leeds have put themselves in a brilliant position already.

With seven goals and three assists to his name in the league so far, Joel Piroe has been one of the most influential figures yet he was dropped for the clash against Boro at Elland Road.

Coming on for the final 20 minutes, the 25-year-old - dubbed "phenomenal" by journalist Adam Pope [Don't Go To Bed Just Yet] - notched an assist which eventually helped lead the Whites to another win.

Daniel Farke must start Joel Piroe if Leeds United are to beat Preston

Piroe has plenty of history when it comes to facing the Lilywhites. In six meetings, the forward has a 50 per cent win rate, boasting four goals and one assist in those matches.

That means he has a goal contribution every 83 minutes [Transfermarkt], a statistic which should make Paul Heckingbottom fear the idea of facing him through the middle.

Leeds United signed Joel Piroe for £12m. (Credit: Imago)

While the Dutchman has not hit the back of the net in his last three appearances, he will be raring to go and history would suggest that Preston is the perfect opponent for him to rediscover his shooting boots.

If Farke wants to claim all three points against the side sitting in 14th, he must unleash Piroe and build the attack around him for the upcoming clash at Deepdale.

In other Leeds United news, the Whites have decided where they want to send Joe Gelhardt on loan in January.

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