Leeds United v Blackburn RoversWednesday 1st January@15:00 | Elland RoadLeeds United enter the New Year with a palpable sense of opportunity as they prepare to host Blackburn Rovers at Elland Road.
With Sheffield United not in action (at the Stadium of Light) until later in the evening, Daniel Farke’s men have an opportunity to create a five point gap between themselves and their South Yorkshire rivals as the season enters its crucial second half. After difficult matches against Burnley and West Brom, nothing less than three points will satisfy Blades boss Chris Wilder.
Leeds will be acutely aware that achieving this won't be straightforward. Just over a month ago, Blackburn inflicted a painful defeat upon them, a result Farke will be eager to avenge on home turf. Since that victory, Rovers' form has stuttered, with losses against Hull City and Millwall sandwiching a draw with Sunderland inbetween, bringing their impressive winning streak of six games to an abrupt halt.
Elland Road has once again become a fortress for the Whites, with nine consecutive home wins, seven clean sheets, and an impressive 24 goals scored during that dominant period. Blackburn, under the stewardship of John Eustace, were one of the few teams to breach that stronghold last season, with Sammie Szmodics proving the difference.
Daniel Farke is expected to freshen up his attacking options, with Manor Solomon and Dan James likely to return to the starting XI in place of Largie Ramazani and Wilfred Gnonto. Leading marksman Joel Piroe is anticipated to spearhead the attack, edging out Mateo Joseph for the coveted centre-forward role.
Positive news on the injury front sees Max Wober potentially returning to the bench after recovering from an ankle injury. Sam Byram is set to continue at left-back, deputising for the injured Junior Firpo. Midfielder Ilia Gruev remains the only long-term absentee for the Whites.
Blackburn, however, face a more significant injury crisis. Forwards Arnor Sigurdsson and Zak Gilsenan are unavailable until the New year, likely paving the way for Tyrhys Dolan, Todd Cantwell, and Ryan Hedges to support Yuki Ohashi upfront.
Defensive absentees in Scott Wharton, Harry Pickering, and Hayden Carter mean Callum Brittain, Dominic Hyam, Danny Batth, and Owen Beck are likely to form the defensive quartet. In midfield, the absence of Lewis Travis through injury suggests Lewis Baker and Sondre Tronstad will continue their partnership in the centre of the park.
