The games keep coming thick and fast as Rovers kick off the New Year against leaders Leeds United at Elland Road.

Lewis Travis and Harry Pickering remain sidelined after picking up hamstring and knee injuries respectively during the festive run-in.

John Eustace may be tempted to go with a back five against the top scorers in the division, who have found the back of the net 44 times in 24 matches to date.

If that’s the case, Kyle McFadzean could be in line for a first league start of the campaign alongside Danny Batth and Dom Hyam.

Callum Brittain and Ryan Hedges are both comfortable playing in the wing-back role – as is Owen Beck, although the Liverpool loanee may be rested after starting against Sunderland and Hull.

Lewis Baker has started the past couple of games alongside Sondre Tronstad in midfield, although Joe Rankin-Costello has also been used in that role at times and could return to the side.

Tyrhys Dolan has shown how effective he can be on the right flank at times in recent weeks and Todd Cantwell is comfortable on the left, although he has often played in the number ten role at Ewood Park.

Makhtar Gueye got the nod up front against Hull but Yuki Ohashi, who has scored six goals so far this season, could return at Elland Road.

Predicted Rovers team: Pears; Brittain, Batth, McFadzean, Hyam, Hedges; JRC, Tronstad; Dolan, Cantwell, Ohashi.