MX23RW : Friday, January 31 06:46:23| >> :120:50556:50556:
[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


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Written by
Barney Corkhill
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3Burnley29151223692757
4Sunderland291510442241855
5West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom291014538251344
6Middlesbrough29128947361144
7Blackburn RoversBlackburn29126113228442
8Bristol City29101183734341
9Watford29125124041-141
10Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds29118104245-341
11Norwich CityNorwich29109104842639
12Coventry CityCoventry29108113938138
13Queens Park RangersQPR2991193237-538
14Millwall29910102826237
15Preston North EndPreston2981383236-437
16Oxford UnitedOxford Utd2999113343-1036
17Swansea CitySwansea2997133240-834
18Cardiff CityCardiff29710123344-1131
19Hull City2978143038-829
20Stoke CityStoke29611122636-1029
21Portsmouth2978143652-1629
22Derby CountyDerby2976163240-827
23Luton TownLuton2975172948-1926
24Plymouth ArgylePlymouth29410152762-3522


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