Being a Leeds United supporter is fantastic right now. After going six games without a loss, the Whites are not only third in the Championship, but they are also scoring goals just for pleasure.
Nearly 8,000 fans will support Daniel Farke’s team during Saturday’s lunchtime match at Blackburn Rovers, who are only two points shy of the play-off spots. Defeating the Lancashire club will maintain pressure on the top two, as Ipswich Town and Leicester City play later today.
Farke has cautioned his players not to underestimate Jon Dahl Tomasson’s team at their risk despite Rovers’ inconsistent performance at Ewood Park, where they have lost five of their nine home games this season. Farke, who won the Championship’s manager of the month award for November, said of Blackburn, “They are a really good possession side, they are a bit unpredictable and very brave and sometimes even a bit crazy in a positive way.”
It’s challenging to try and keep up with their numerous rotations and positional adjustments while they’re in possession because they’re so fluid. They can produce a lot, so it’s crucial to be extremely strong against them and to have a great structure against the ball.
They have a lot of talented players individually and are among the teams who have produced the most opportunities and greatest predicted goals at this level, so they have an offensive danger.
“We will have opportunities to shine, create chances, and hurt them if we are really rock solid, well-structured, and disciplined in our work against the ball.”
The Whites are going for a third straight victory, and Farke has a quality team to pick from. Following their recovery from minor knocks, Sam Byram, Crysencio Summerville, and Joe Gelhardt are available for selection.
Stuart Dallas (femur) and Junior Firpo (hamstring) are still out, and Ian Poveda is traveling with Colombia for international play. Veteran defender Luke Ayling (knee) is questionable. Even if Ayling is well enough to play, it is doubtful that he will be inserted into the back line considering Leeds’ strong performance.
Leeds United squad for Blackburn clash: Meslier, Ayling, Ampadu, Cresswell, Cooper, Piroe, Kamara, Bamford, Summerville, Anthony, Klaesson, Rodon, Shackleton, Gyabi, James, Struijk, Gray, Rutter, Byram, Darlow, Gnonto, Hjelde, Spence, Gruev, Joseph, Gelhardt
