Leeds United player braced for disappointing Daniel Farke news ahead of Blackburn Rovers trip

Leeds United visit Blackburn Rovers in a 1.30pm kick-off at Ewood Park today, with the chance to climb to the top of the Championship table. Daniel Farke visits a John Eustace side with only two wins from their last six matches, but they came in their last two outings.

Here are five things to look out for around today’s contest.

Two games to go on the suspension tightrope

Junior Firpo and Jayden Bogle may have got theirs out of the way, but Leeds have another two players trying to inch across the five-yellow suspension tightrope towards December 7. Joe Rodon and Wilfried Gnonto are on four yellows apiece and will be banned for one match if they pick up another caution today.

READ MORE: Rothwell insult, Farke's player argument, Leeds United support ejected in moments missed

READ MORE: Leeds United outburst as Frank Lampard's demand and Wayne Rooney resignation calls made

Rodon has done especially well to get this close to the cut-off without collecting that fifth caution, given his day job is tackling opponents. They are both so close to the suspension count resetting to 10 yellows.

Which winger’s turn on the bench?

Farke has already ruled Largie Ramazani will not be in contention to start this soon after injury, but the other three have significant claims to stake. Daniel James took his medicine and started Wednesday night in the dugout, while Gnonto had to make do with that fate on Sunday.

Manor Solomon, who was building momentum on Sunday, played the full match on Wednesday and would, seemingly, be next in line for a rest. How keen is Farke to help the Israeli sustain this purple patch he has found, though?

Brenden Aaronson seems to be off-limits, so someone will be left disappointed.

Who gets the nod at left-back?

Sam Byram had a scan on a hamstring complaint on Thursday and a late call was being made on the full-back’s fate yesterday. Junior Firpo is available for selection after a three-match ban, while Max Wober has seen far more minutes than usual in the last two games.

Firpo is the best option, but his recent absence and a difficult time trying to stay sharp in training may just prompt Farke to stick with Wednesday’s goal scorer, assuming his hamstring is okay.

The best away end of the season

No stadium offers a bigger away allocation and no Ewood Park visitor brings more supporters. Today will have the best away end of the season, with the Whites packing out the Darwen End Stand.

There are expected to be more than 7,000 Leeds fans inside the stadium today, virtually turning into a home match if the natives do not match their volume.

Reunions on both sides

Todd Cantwell enjoyed the best years of his career so far with Farke at Norwich City. As an attacker under the German, Cantwell attracted plenty of transfer interest, but that one big move never materialised for him.

It was not always an easy public relationship either. Cantwell was quite public in his desire to leave Carrow Road, while Farke was happy to speak openly about the stand-off behind the scenes. Their reunion could be worth a look, if they acknowledge each other at all.

And then Joe Rothwell will be back at the club which forms the backbone of his career. The 29-year-old was a regular with Rovers for four years and will have many fans there keen to welcome him back.