Blackburn Rovers v Leeds UtdSaturday 30th November@13:30 | Ewood ParkLeeds head to Ewood Park on Saturday lunchtime hoping to create distance (temporarily at-least) between themselves and the Championship chasing pack.
The game was initially due to kick-off at 3pm, but was moved to 1.30 on Police advice. Rovers have always been generous with their away allocation, with 7,500 Whites fans expected to travel. Risk of depleting Ale supplies in Lancashire are thought to be a contributing factor.
Leeds only new injury worry is Sam Byram, who underwent tests yesterday to assess an ankle injury he sustained during the team’s 3-0 home victory against Luton Town on Wednesday evening. Fortunately, Junior Firpo is back from suspension, and with 30 minutes under his belt, Max Wober is well on his way to full fitness.
Largie Ramazzani is on the mend too, after the ankle injury sustained in the 2-1 win over Watford last month. The 23yo made a late appearance midweek, and will no doubt be eased back into action gradually, after five weeks out.
Dan James could be recalled to the starting line-up after scoring late-on against the Hatters, though that would mean dropping Wilfred Gnonto. Similarly Joel Piroe's seventh of the season should guarantee his place in the starting XI. Tanaka and Rothwell will continue to deputise for Gruev and Ampadu.
John Eustace is likely to field the same starting XI that beat Boro at the Riverside on Wednesday evening. Injuries to Scott Wharton, Hayden Carter, Arnor Sigurdsson, and top goal scorer Andreas Weimann (5 goals) leave Eustace with limited options.