Leeds United vs Blackburn Rovers tips and predictions: Whites face must-win clash at Elland Road

We’ve reached the stage of the season where there is no room for error. Leeds United must avoid falling victim to the latest twist in a record-breaking Championship promotion race.

A midweek treble on Leeds to draw, Ipswich to draw, and Leicester to lose at Millwall was priced at an eyewatering 110/1.

It was the first time this season that all three teams have dropped points in the same matchday, excluding head-to-head meetings.

Blackburn Rovers will visit Elland Road on Saturday lunchtime and if any team encapsulates the wild nature of this division, it’s surely them.

John Eustace’s side have won 5-1, drawn 0-0 and lost 5-0 in their last three. The relegation-threatened club possess the league’s top scorer and second-worst defence.

Although there has been a marked improvement since his arrival, it’s far from the finished product and his side has shipped 2.33 goals per away game since November.

On the other hand, the Whites’ unbeaten run at Elland Road as a Championship club now stands at 29. Tuesday’s setback was their sixth draw in that run.

Notably, they’ve responded well to setbacks at home, winning 4-0, 3-0 and 4-3 this season.

There are so many capable scorers in this Leeds team it’s hard to imagine them not bouncing back here, but there’s pressure on Daniel Farke to get the team selection right.

Several key players are in poor form at the wrong time so introducing Joel Piroe, Willy Gnonto or Matteo Joseph may help get things back on track.

Georginio Rutter's unpredictable brilliance is irreplaceable and his ability in tight spaces could be key to unlocking a deep-lying Rovers defence.

Tired legs are a factor at this stage of the season but we expect United to find a way to make a fast start and anything other than a win ends their promotion push.

 

Key stats

- Leeds’ previous 18 home matches have produced 18 goals in the first 30 minutes
- Leeds are unbeaten in 29 Championship matches at home, winning 23 times
- Leeds are outscoring teams 2.10 to 0.60 on average at Elland Road
- The opening 30 minutes of Blackburn’s 21 away matches have produced 25 goals
- Blackburn possesses the second-worst defence in the league with 71 goals against

 

Suggested bets

Time of first goal: Under 30 minutes

Georginio Rutter to assist a goal

Leeds win and over 2.5 goals