Leeds United travel to Blackburn Rovers hoping to take another step towards promotion to the Premier League. The Yorkshire side are inching closer to a top-flight return and know a win is imperative this weekend.
Blackburn would love to be in that position but their own promotion bid is flailing. Tony Mowbray’s team have lost their last two and find themselves five adrift of the play-off places.
Leeds United Travel to Ewood Park to Take on Blackburn Rovers
Victory Is Imperative for Leeds
Leeds United cross the Pennines hoping to take another step towards promotion. Marcelo Bielsa’s side are in excellent form winning six of their last eight games collecting 22 points – their only slip up was a defeat to Cardiff City.
Leeds were held by a resolute Luton Town side last time out. A result which saw Leeds’ cushion at the top of the table reduced to one point after West Bromwich Albion collected a win at Sheffield Wednesday.
That slip up also allowed chasers Brentford, Nottingham Forest and Fulham to make up ground. Leeds will face a stern examination from Blackburn, with the Roves harbouring promotion hopes of their own.
Bielsa has a fully fit squad to choose from. He may choose to rotate his team with the fixtures piling up. Pablo Hernandez and Ezgjan Alioski started on the bench against Luton and could be recalled.
Tony Mowbray Will Be Looking for a Response From His Blackburn Team
It has been a slow start to the restart for Blackburn. Rovers collected an excellent win against Bristol City but since then, Rovers have lost their last two – strugglers Wigan Athletic and Barnsley inflicting costly defeats on Mowbray’s team.
Blackburn head into this game five points adrift of the top six. The Leeds game starts a tough sequence of games against play-off rivals. A tough week looms with Cardiff City and West Bromwich Albion to come after the Leeds game. A season-defining week for Mowbray’s side as they look to reignite their play-off bid.
Striker Ben Brereton is suspended after his red card in South Yorkshire. Again, like Bielsa, Mowbray may opt to rotate his team. A flat-display at Barnsley will likely mean changes.
Danny Graham is amongst the Blackburn players pushing for a recall.
Prediction
This is a must-win game for both sides.
Leeds can take a huge step towards promotion. Blackburn can reignite their play-off bid with a much needed three points.
It was a tough encounter back in November and expect a similar pattern in the rematch. Taking chances will be key as both sides are renowned for their excellent defences.
Blackburn Rovers 0-1 Leeds United
Main Photo
