Leeds United have stuttered, huffed and puffed in the last few games. However, they are still just two points off the top of the table, and they would be looking to kickstart things after the international break against Blackburn Rovers. United will also see some of their key first team players getting fit in time for this tough away game at Ewood Park.
Blackburn Rovers have played well in patches, but they haven’t managed to get any sort of consistency going and are rightfully sitting on the 10th spot at the moment. Keeping the free-flowing Whites forwards in check would be a massive task for the Rovers’ defence.
Team News
Kemar Roofe, Gaetano Berardi, Pablo Hernandez and Conor Shaughnessy are going to be available for selection after their injury layout. Roofe and Berardi recently played for the u-23 but Hernandez was still missing so maybe the Spaniard is yet not a hundred per cent. Luke Ayling will miss out due to suspension, and Barry Douglas continues to remain absent.
Leeds United’s Predicted Lineup vs Blackburn Rovers
Formation (4-3-3)
Defence
Bailey Peacock Farrell has had some testing times in goal, but overall he has done well. He should keep his place over Jamal Blackman.
Liam Cooper and Pontus Jansson should continue to start as centre-backs even though Berardi is back. With Ayling suspended, Berardi can feature in his more traditional position that is as a right back. Stuart Dallas played as a left back in the last game covering for Douglas, and we expect the versatile midfielder to fill in that position again.
Midfield
Kalvin Phillips might have been substituted twice before halftime, but overall he is having a stellar season in his new-found defensive midfield position. Further up front, Mateusz Klich should start in central midfield. The Polish international was suspended for the last game in the UEFA Nations League so he would have gotten his rest even though he was away on international duty. Samuel Saiz needs to pick his game up as he has been disappointing off late. The attacking midfielder is often fluffing his line after getting into good attacking positions. With no real alternative, he is expected to start.
Ezgjan Alioski should start down the left flank, and he has also been guilty of missing some chances. Bielsa would hope that his attacking players are more clinical and decisive in their decision making in the final third. Pablo Hernandez should be expected to start as has recovered from his injury. Though there is a chance that he might get some game time as a substitute, we think he should start if he is a hundred per cent.
Forward
Tyler Roberts did well in the last month, but unfortunately, he would have to make way for Kemar Roofe who was on fire before being sidelined by injury. Bielsa would hope that he can hit the ground running straight away in his comeback match.
