Preston North End boss Ryan Lowe has admitted that he already can’t wait to face Leeds United on Boxing Day.
PNE have returned to start pre-season training this week with Lowe busy preparing for the new Championship season.
One big landmark in the summer has already arrived as the Championship fixture list was released last week.
PNE will travel away to Bristol City on the opening weekend of the season with Lowe and co hoping to get off to a great start.
There was no Blackpool derby game to look out for this year after the Seasiders dropped into League One.
It’s a similar story for Burnley; PNE won’t be facing the Clarets in the Championship this season following their promotion to the Premier League.
That means fans have to get excited about other games such as Blackburn Rovers or, in Lowe’s case, Leeds United…
Ryan Lowe looking forward to Leeds United clash
Lowe has told iFollow that he is looking forward to a few games – including facing former club Plymouth Argyle.
North End will host the Pilgrims in September, just two days two days before Lowe’s 45th birthday.
That means Lowe will face off against best friend and former assistant Steven Schumacher, with the PNE boss admitting that they have already been joking with each other about the game.
Lowe then highlighted that the standout game for him is the game clash with Leeds United on Boxing Day.
PNE faced Leeds on Boxing Day in 2019, travelling to Elland Road for a 1-1 draw.
Leeds will head to Deepdale this time and Lowe is excited for what he thinks will be a ‘fantastic game’ between the two sides.
“The one that stands out for me is Leeds at home on Boxing Day – wow, what a fantastic game that will be,” said Lowe. “I’m sure the stadium will be sold out,” he added.
It’s unclear just who will be in charge of Leeds for that game with the Whites yet to announce a new manager.
Former Norwich City boss Daniel Farke appears to be the frontrunner right now and an appointment surely isn’t far away as Leeds prepare for their Championship return.