Preview: Blackburn Rovers vs. Leeds United - prediction, team news, lineups

At a time when Leeds occupy third spot and sit seven points adrift of the automatic promotion places, Blackburn are seventh despite an inconsistent run of form.

Match preview

There have been times in recent weeks when Leeds have not been as convincing as Daniel Farke may have hoped with just one clean sheet being recorded in nine matches.

That one shutout came at the home of leaders Leicester City, yet despite their relative struggles on that front, Leeds have still collected 16 points from a possible 18.

The only slip-up in a six-game undefeated streak came away at Rotherham United, Leeds being held to a 1-1 draw, but they have since responded with wins over Swansea City and Middlesbrough.

Leeds' triumph over the latter came in a chaotic affair with three goals being scored in the opening seven minutes, yet Boro being reduced to 10 men shortly after the hour mark helped them seal a 3-2 success.

As a result, Farke's side remain within seven points of second-placed Ipswich Town, although the German will acknowledge that their form away from Elland Road requires some work.

While Leeds have lost three of their nine away fixtures this season, they face a Blackburn side that have lost five of their nine games at Ewood Park.

Such a return makes it all the more impressive that Jon Dahl Tomasson's team are seventh in the table, helped by nine wins and just the one draw.

More recently, three victories have been posted from five games, Rovers defeating Stoke City and Birmingham City before losing at Sheffield Wednesday last time out.

Winning at Hillsborough would have pushed Blackburn into the playoff spots, highlighting that they are not too far away from becoming a factor in the promotion race.

Blackburn Rovers Championship form:

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Blackburn Rovers form (all competitions):

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Leeds United Championship form:

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Team News

With Lewis Travis having served a suspension, the expectation is that he will return to the Blackburn starting lineup in some capacity.

That may be at right-back - rather than central midfield - with James Hill moving inside and Scott Wharton dropping to the substitutes' bench.

Given the level of Blackburn's injury issues, it is plausible that the remainder of the team could stay the same for this contest.

Barring any fitness issues, Farke seems likely to go with the same Leeds XI that started the Middlesbrough fixture.

While Wilfried Gnonto is an option to replace Daniel James on the right flank, the Welshman is expected to keep his spot, with the likes of Stuart Dallas and Junior Firpo remaining unavailable.

Blackburn Rovers possible starting lineup:

Wahlstedt; Travis, Hill, Carter, Pickering; A.Wharton, Tronstad; Moran, Szmodics, Brittain; Leonard

Leeds United possible starting lineup:

Meslier; Gray, Rodon, Struijk, Byram; Ampadu, Kamara; James, Piroe, Summerville; Rutter

We say: Blackburn Rovers 1-2 Leeds United

This has the makings of an intriguing contest with Blackburn seemingly capable of beating and losing to every team in this division. Nevertheless, we feel that Leed's superior quality should just win out, potentially with a goal in the closing stages.

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