Player absent from squad entirely - confirmed Leeds United XI vs Preston North End

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has named his starting line-up for Tuesday's (26 December) Championship clash with Preston North End.

The Whites defeated Ipswich Town 4-0 on Saturday (23 December) to close the gap on the side in second place to seven points.

Daniel Farke has named an unchanged side from that match, as confirmed by Leeds' official Twitter account [26 December].

There is an alteration to the 20-man matchday squad on the back of the win over Ipswich, however, as Joe Gelhardt is nowhere to be seen at Deepdale.

That comes on the back of the attacker being linked with a move away from Elland Road, with Preston ironically among those rumoured to be showing an interest.

Risky call

This is the busiest period of the campaign, yet Farke has decided to stick with the same XI that started against Ipswich just a few days ago.

In fairness, it is hard to blame the German manager as United produced a sublime display to see off the side directly above them.

The likes of Wilfried Gnonto and Jaidon Anthony will surely wonder, however, what they have to do to get a start.

With games against West Brom and Birmingham City to come over the next week, changes will surely be forthcoming.

For now, though, Farke will trust the same group to get the job done against Preston and further close the gap on Ipswich.

Leeds have great squad depth, but those on the fringes will have to remain patient and take their opportunities as and when they come.

In other Leeds United news, Ray Parlour sent a "pressure" message ahead of kick-off at Deepdale.