Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa believes Preston North End are among the leading teams in the Championship and is not surprised to see Alex Neil's side riding high in the table.

The two teams meet at Deepdale with North End sitting in sixth, two points behind Leeds in second.

Alex Neil's side have yet to taste defeat on their own patch, winning five and drawing one of their six homes so far this term and will be keen to bounce back from Saturday's late loss to Reading.

And Bielsa, who saw his side lose in the play-offs last season, is wary of the threat Preston pose.

"For me, Preston in the last season are one of those who have played better in the Championship," said Bielsa, speaking to Leeds Live.

"I like their style of play. Their players have good skill to manage the goal, they have a great midfield.

"It’s a team, behind the midfield and in front of the midfield they have players with a good level, but what is important to me, not a surprise because I saw the same last season."

Leeds will be without several players or the game with Pablo Hernandez out with a hamstring injury while Adam Forshaw, Jamie Shackleton and Liam Cooper are all missing.

Bielsa's side defeated Birmingham at the weekend and face Sheffield Wednesday in an early kick off on Saturday.

And the Elland Road boss is keen to manage his squad during the three game week.

He said: "Resting is the most important for the players. With some brief stimulus on the pitch, a powerful stimulus is also necessary.

"Trying so the players doesn’t always feel demanded.

"When we have more days we have more possibilities to give more messages because you can put those messages in a period of time longer.

"In a brief period if you give a lot of messages, the players could be more tired.

"For competing in the Championship you have to be well in the fitness sense, but also mental. Not only the Championship, but professional football."

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