Three changes as £10m man axed… Predicted Leeds United XI to face Blackburn on New Year’s Day

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The busy schedule is showing no signs of stopping for Leeds United as they take on Blackburn Rovers at Elland Road on Wednesday afternoon, three days after Sunday’s win at Derby County.

Brenden Aaronson’s seventh goal of the season was enough to get the better of Derby, and push Leeds two points clear at the top of the league table. Sheffield United, Sunderland and Burnley dropped points.

But Leeds picked up a 15th league win of the season in just their 24th outing, keeping a 14th clean sheet in the process. It came despite Daniel Farke making four changes to his side to take on Derby away.

However, the difference came when Farke brought on Joel Piroe, Manor Solomon and Dan James, coming on for Mateo Joseph, £10m Largie Ramazani and Wilfried Gnonto. Ao Tanaka came in for Joe Rothwell.

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Daniel Farke could make three changes to his Leeds XI

Up next for Leeds then, is Blackburn. It sees Farke take on nemesis John Eustace for the fourth time since taking the Leeds job, having lost all three meetings against Eustace by a goal to nil in the last 18 months.

Farke will have some decisions to make, with the German already hinting that he will rotate his squad in his pre-Blackburn press conference. Max Wober is still injured, as is Junior Firpo and midfielder Ilia Gruev.

Surely, Solomon and Piroe come back into the side after starring against Derby off the bench with the duo combining to set up Aaronson. Gnonto enjoyed a decent display but Leeds fans criticised Ramazani.

Joe Rothwell is better when Leeds dictate games and allow him to get on the ball, more likely at Elland Road. Perhaps, Rothwell comes in for Ao Tanaka and Piroe and Solomon replace Joseph and Ramazani.

How Leeds have fared against Blackburn in the last 10 games…

Of course, Leeds will surely be out for revenge having lost their last two games against Blackburn. Eustace got the better of Leeds in April 2024 at Elland Road when now-Ipswich ace Sammie Szmodics scored.

Leeds have another chance to go well ahead of the rest of the chasing pack given Sheffield United and Sunderland do battle on New Year’s Day at the Stadium of Light. Burnley play away at Stoke City.