Leeds United team news vs Blackburn Rovers as Daniel Farke makes two changes

Two changes have been made by Daniel Farke to the Leeds United team at Blackburn Rovers today. For the third time in six days, the manager has rotated one of his wingers, while left-back has also, predictably, seen some turnover.

Junior Firpo was always likely to be a candidate for immediate recall after his three-match suspension was served, but Sam Byram has played well, even scoring on Wednesday, since covering for the Dominican. Sadly for the academy product, a hamstring complaint in midweek has proved too much to overcome and he misses out entirely.

Further forward, it’s Manor Solomon’s turn to sit out from the start. Wilfried Gnonto and Daniel James traded starts earlier this week, while Solomon was given the full 90 minutes on Wednesday ahead of this expected rotation.

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It means Brenden Aaronson, strongly backed by Farke on Wednesday night, does continue through the centre despite his limited goal involvement over recent weeks. Joel Piroe also carries on in attack after another goal on Wednesday, despite a largely bit-part role.

Joe Rodon and Gnonto have picked up four yellow cards this season. They start today and will have to walk the suspension tightrope from the start of the match. The selection means Rodon is the only player still on for starting every match in all competitions this season for Leeds.

As ever, Alex Cairns is with the squad, but remains off the teamsheet. Today’s referee against Rovers is Lewis Smith, assisted by Andrew Dallison, Hristo Karaivanov and Leigh Doughty (fourth official).

Leeds United: Illan Meslier; Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk, Junior Firpo; Ao Tanaka, Joe Rothwell; Daniel James, Brenden Aaronson, Wilfried Gnonto; Joel Piroe.

Substitutes: Karl Darlow, Patrick Bamford, Manor Solomon, Largie Ramazani, Mateo Joseph, Josuha Guilavogui, James Debayo, Max Wober, Charlie Crew.