Predicted Leeds United XI to face Blackburn… Two changes as Daniel Farke makes Manor Solomon decision

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Daniel Farke faces another set of difficult pre-match conversations when it comes to leaving out some key names for Leeds United’s trip to Blackburn Rovers.

Leeds defeated Luton Town 3-0 on Wednesday night but the match at Ewood Park represents the third in just six days, meaning rotation will be important.

Farke sprung a surprise by dropping Dan James against Luton after his hattrick of assists but his post-match reasoning makes it likely the Welshman will return for this one.

Sam Byram is Leeds’ only injury doubt, as Farke awaits results of the scan he underwent on Thursday, after feeling something minor in the second half in midweek.

Here is our predicted XI for the match.

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Goalkeeper

Illan Meslier picked up his 10th clean sheet of the season last time out and continues in goal.

Defence

Regardless of whether Byram has escaped injury or not, it is highly likely he will drop to the bench anyway, despite his brilliant goal.

Junior Firpo is now back after serving a three-match ban, and will almost certainly be brought straight back into the starting line-up for Blackburn.

Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk and Jayden Bogle make up the remainder of the back four, with the former now just two matches away from avoiding a suspension due to five yellow cards.

Midfield

Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell were heavily praised by Neil Redfearn for their performances in the win over Luton, and rightly so.

They have now started together for Leeds’ last nine matches and that will continue tomorrow, with Rothwell set to face his former club.

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Attack

Farke is absolutely spoilt for choice in attack but his selection is made slightly easier by the fact Largie Ramazani isn’t ready to start.

Manor Solomon has been brilliant in the last two matches but was suffering with a little bit of cramp towards the end of Wednesday, and so a place on the bench would be wise here.

He is likely to be replaced by James, with Wilfried Gnonto moving onto the left-hand-side, and Brenden Aaronson continuing at number 10. Joel Piroe gets the nod ahead of Mateo Joseph.