MX23RW : Sunday, January 12 15:10:02| >> :600:114719:114719:
[monks data]
Leeds logo
Championship
Jan 1, 2014 at 3pm UK
 
Blackburn logo

1-2

Smith (53')
FT(HT: 0-2)
Rhodes (13'), Gestede (35')

Preview: Leeds United vs. Blackburn Rovers

Sports Mole previews the Championship clash between playoff-chasing Leeds and Blackburn at Elland Road on New Year's Day.

Leeds United could move into the playoff places with a win over Blackburn Rovers at Elland Road on New Year's Day.

The hosts have only won one of their last five matches but still sit level on points with Ipswich Town, who currently occupy the final playoff spot.

Brian McDermott's side fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Nottingham Forest in their last outing but have only dropped four points from their last seven matches at Elland Road, winning five and drawing the last two.

Leeds welcome Scott Wootton back into the squad after injury, leaving Alex Mowatt as their only doubt for Wednesday's match.

Blackburn will also have one eye on a playoff charge in the second half of the season having lost just one of their last five games to rise to 12th in the table.

They could close the gap to the top six to just one point if results go their way on New Year's Day, but they will have to overcome their poor away form that has seen them win just twice on their travels all season.

The most recent of those came in their last away match, however, and Gary Bowyer's side will be boosted by the return of David Dunn in midfield.

The visitors are likely to be without Leon Best and Paul Robinson again, however, while DJ Campbell is expected to start the match on the bench with Jordan Rhodes leading the line alone.

Recent form

Leeds: WDWDDL

Blackburn: LDWWDL

Possible starting lineups

Leeds: Kenny; Pearce, Lees, Zaliukas; Peltier, Murphy, Brown, Austin, Pugh; Smith, McCormack

Blackburn: Eastwood; Henley, Hanley, Dann, Spurr; Taylor, Lowe, Dunn, Marshall; Cairney; Rhodes

Sports Mole says: 2-0


ID:127470: cacheID:127470:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:4082:
Written by
Barney Corkhill
No Data Analysis info

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Restore Data
Share this article now:
Birmingham's on-loan forward Jesse Lingard in action against Bolton on October 5, 2013
Read Next:
Team News: Rovers rotate in midfield
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
FT
Steelers
14-28
Ravens
6pm
Broncos
@
Bills
9.30pm
Packers
@
Eagles
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Leeds UnitedLeeds26158348192953
2Burnley26141023192252
3Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd26166436171952
4Sunderland26148439221750
5Middlesbrough26118743321141
6West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom26913432211140
7Blackburn RoversBlackburn2511682823539
8Bristol City2691073330337
9Watford25114103536-137
10Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds2610793840-237
11Norwich CityNorwich269984337636
12Swansea CitySwansea2697103030034
13Queens Park RangersQPR2671182934-532
14Millwall257992423130
15Preston North EndPreston2661282834-630
16Coventry CityCoventry2678113437-329
17Oxford UnitedOxford Utd2577112840-1228
18Derby CountyDerby2676133135-427
19Stoke CityStoke2669112432-827
20Luton TownLuton2674152744-1725
21Portsmouth2458113041-1123
22Hull City2658132536-1123
23Cardiff CityCardiff2558122540-1523
24Plymouth ArgylePlymouth2548132453-2920


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!