League Cup Draw: Leeds United will host Preston North End

Leeds United will face off against a familiar foe in the second round of the League Cup.

Leeds will host Preston North End at Elland Road the week of 27 August, less than a full month before Leeds will host Preston again in the league.

Leeds picked up a single point against Preston last season, drawing 0-0 at Elland Road back in August before losing 3-1 at Deepdale, in one of the lowest points of the season under Paul Heckingbottom. While the first match was example of Preston coming to favoured Leeds and looking to play for a draw, the second match was an absolutely disgraceful performance by Leeds. Leeds had gone into half-time up 1-0, only to surrender three goals and look awful in the second half as any chance for a decent performance slipped through their fingers the moment Vurnon Anita gave up a penalty.

Overall, Leeds has a losing record against Preston, having won 20 matches, drawn 12, and lost 24 in all of the times the two sides have played each other. However, since 2004, Leeds have played Preston 16 times and only lost four of those matches.

Leeds last faced off against Preston in the League cup back in 1966, when Leeds defeated Preston 3-0 at home in a replay after drawing 1-1 at Preston.

Both Preston and Leeds will likely send out changed sides for this match, which should favour Leeds, as the depth of Leeds should be enough to see out a “budget” team in the Championship. However, there is no reason to expect that this match, like any other, will be “easy” as every team has now painted a bulls-eye on the back of Leeds, not only because it’s Leeds, but also because of the presence of Marcelo Bielsa. Leeds should not take this game for granted, and while it might not be a “glory” tie, it still will be somewhat exciting.