Josuha Guilavogui has impressed at Leeds United. (Credit: Imago)
Josuha Guilavogui has impressed at Leeds United. (Credit: Imago)

Preston guilty of major Josuha Guilavogui blunder v Leeds United at Deepdale

Harri Burton

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.

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Josuha Guilavogui's name has been misspelt on the official teamsheet yet again ahead of the clash between Preston and Leeds United on Saturday.

The 34-year-old, who signed for the Whites on a free transfer in October, is often mistaken for "Joshua" and that has happened once more at Deepdale on 14 December.

Guilavogui has yet to make a start for Daniel Farke's side, only making six substitute appearances in the Championship, but he is still a big name due to his experiences across Europe.

Having spotted the error, Graham Smyth took to X [14 December], writing: "Josuha. 5/5," with a picture of the teamsheet below.

Josuha Guilavogui mistake made again ahead of Preston v Leeds United

While Guilavogui has not played a crucial role since moving to Elland Road in October, it is a matter of respect to get players' names correct on the official teamsheet.

The Frenchman has experience across many top-flight European divisions, having played for Mainz, Wolfsburg, Atletico Madrid and the France national team, to name just a few.

With Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev's long-term absences in the first half of the season, Guilavogui gave Leeds a much-needed boost in the squad and brought a lot of knowledge with him.

He has already endeared himself to the Elland Road fanbase, voicing his love for the club on social media, even without playing many minutes in front of them.

Guilavogui still deserves the same respect as all of his teammates, and so Preston, alongside other clubs making the same mistake, needs to make sure to be more careful when writing out the teamsheet.

Hopefully, the midfielder gets a few minutes at Deepdale towards the end of the game to help Leeds hold onto a precious three points away from home.

With the likes of Wilfried Gnonto, Dan James and Brenden Aaronson all supporting Joel Piroe in the final third, it should be a precise victory for Farke's men, without any hiccups.

Of course, it is rarely that straightforward in a long and tiring Championship campaign but Leeds need to close games out like this one if they are to win promotion to the Premier League.

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