Helder Costa out, Douglas & Alioski in: Confirmed Leeds starting XI v Blackburn
Leeds United fans often know what’s coming with a Marcelo Bielsa starting XI but there were plenty on tenterhooks today.
Both Liam Cooper and Stuart Dallas suffered injury problems in the game against Luton but Kalvin Phillips said on Thursday he was hopeful both would make the game.
Cooer has but Dallas hasn’t and that sees a rare start for Gjanni Alioski.
Not at left-back, though. Barry Douglas comes in there, while Alioski replaces Helder Costa – Jack Harrison will play on the right and Alioski on the left. Costa isn’t on the bench so we presume he’s injured.
Some fans were hoping that Patrick Bamford would be dropped with Tyler Roberts moving up top and Pablo Hernandez starting in the number 10 role.
However, Hernandez is on the bench again and Bamford starts.
The team news was announced on the official Leeds Twitter page ahead of the 3pm kick-off.
Leeds should be in a much more comfortable position in the Championship.
They had the chance to move nine points clear of Brentford in third with a win against Luton on Tuesday.
However, with the game poised at 1-1, first Bamford and then Costa missed simple headers. Both blamed the floodlights at Elland Road but that was summarily dismissed by Leeds.
Bamford won’t be able to make the same excuse this afternoon at Ewood Park.
Blackburn have lost their last two and know that another defeat today would all but put paid to their hopes of making the play-offs.
Leeds are overwhelming favourites to take the three points back to Elland Road – they’re 4/7 compared to Blackburn at 5/1.
Brentford are playing Wigan this afternoon, while Fulham host Birmingham.
West Brom round this weekend off when Hull travel to The Hawthorns.
In other Leeds United news, Sky Sports set to broadcast Leeds United special in exciting Whites double bill