Leeds United will play their fourth game in 12 days as they take on Blackburn Rovers in the Championship at Elland Road on Wednesday.
The Whites suffered their last defeat against the same opponent in November and since then, they have won five out of six games, drawing the other one. Leeds have won three games in a row in the Championship and are at the top of the table.
Daniel Farke’s side are heading into this game on the back of a 1-0 win against Derby County at Pride Park, and they should be aiming for nothing less than three points against Blackburn.
With games coming thick and fast, the Whites boss could make a few changes to the side from the previous game, but he has limited options at the back.
Predicted Leeds United line-up v Blackburn
Illan Meslier has kept three clean sheets in a row and has been simply outstanding for the Whites this season. He has kept 14 clean sheets in 24 Championship games, and the Frenchman is simply undroppable.
In defence, Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon have been rock solid at the back, and their partnership has blossomed this season. Struijk is strong in the air, while Rodon puts his body on the line.
Jayden Bogle has been superb during the festive period and he retains his place in the side. Likewise, Sam Byram will continue at left-back, mainly due to not enough options available to Farke.
Farke could be tempted to drop Ao Tanaka after his poor performance in the previous game, but it is difficult to see Joe Rothwell coming back into the side for his game.
Ethan Ampadu was brilliant in the previous game and looked like he returned to his best, and Farke should continue with him.
Daniel James missed a great chance at Pride Park, but he should return to the side in place of Largie Ramazani. The 27-year-old has scored five goals and provided three assists in the Championship, and he should be fresh for this game.
Brenden Aaronson and Willy Gnonto should also retain their places in the side, but Joe Piroe is likely to return in place of Mateo Joseph. Farke has interchanged between Joseph and Piroe throughout the season, and it shouldn’t come as a big surprise.
Predicted Leeds starting XI v Blackburn: Meslier, Bogle, Struijk, Rodon, Byram, Tanaka, Ampadu, Aaronson, Gnonto, James, Piroe.
