Leeds United v Blackburn Rovers live: Updates and analysis from Elland Road, three big changes, TV details
and live on Freeview channel 276
Here, upon landing at LS11, we will bring you all of the pre-match build-up and line-ups followed by match updates, analysis and then post-match reaction.
Team news
Whites boss Daniel Farke has made three changes to his Leeds United side for Saturday’s lunchtime showdown against Championship visitors Blackburn Rovers at Elland Road.
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Striker Patrick Bamford, Glen Kamara and Dan James have all dropped to the bench as Joel Piroe, Connor Roberts and Willy Gnonto all come into the side.
Jamie Shackleton and Pascal Struijk are now United’s only two absentees through injury along with Stuart Dallas whom Leeds will pay tribute today following the announcement that he will retire at the end of the season.
Relegation-battling Blackburn arrive at Elland Road on the back of Wednesday night’s 5-0 hammering at Bristol City and boss John Eustace has been dealt a fresh blow. Winger Andrew Moran, who has six assists and two goals this term, has been added a lengthy list of injuries with a thigh issue and misses out having featured from the bench in midweek.
Eustace has made one change to his side as Hayden Carter replaces Dilan Markandy whilst Zak Gilsenan and Semir Telalovic return to the bench following injury and illness respectively.
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Hide AdLeeds United: Meslier; Roberts, Ampadu, Rodon, Firpo; Gruev, Gray; Gnonto, Summerville; Rutter, Piroe. Subs: Darlow, Byram, Cooper, Kamara, Anthony, James, Gelhardt, Bamford, Joseph.
Blackburn Rovers: Pears, Brittain, Hyam, Carter, Wharton, Pickering, Rankin-Costello, Tronstad, Dolan, Szmodics, Gallagher. Subs: Wahlstedt, Koumetio, Markanday, Buckley, Gilsenan, Garrett, Telalovic, Chrisene, McFadzean.
Referee: James Bell.
Leeds United v Blackburn Rovers live
Key Events
- 12.30pm kick-off at Elland Road
Three big changes then
But hard to argue with any of them, could have been Mateo Joseph instead of Joel Piroe but Farke has gone with the experience and now has the option of both Bamford and Joseph from the bench. Gray back into midfield, Roberts will be up and down the flank from right back and Gnonto should have a spring in his step upon returning to the XI for James. Rovers were hammered 5-0 at Bristol City - a long away day - just on Wednesday night - and have loads of injuries. It all points to one thing right? We know how this goes. But all in all, Leeds really should have too much here. Predictions? 2-0 from me. 3-1 from chief football writer Graham Smyth.
Bright start by Leeds
2: Dominating possession from the off and Piroe’s shot deflected behind for a corner which Blackburn clear.
Rutter looks sharp
4: Bursts clear at pace after a fine interception from Rodon, feeds Piroe who can’t beat his man and Blackburn clear. Piroe playing as the no 9
Poor pass
7: From Rodon, too much on it and out for a throw after Szmodics gave the ball away. Leeds look much brighter here already than in previous few games.
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