Leeds United's badge will be at the heart of their new kit (Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has made two changes to his starting lineup ahead of Saturday’s early kick-off at Blackburn Rovers, as the Whites look to secure another victory and climb back to the top of the Championship.
Junior Firpo returns from suspension to take his place at left-back, replacing Sam Byram, who misses out after sustaining a hamstring injury during Wednesday’s 3-0 win over Luton Town. Byram, who had been covering at left-back in Firpo’s absence, was substituted before the hour mark and has not recovered in time for this match. Despite initial hopes, Byram will not feature in the squad.
Dan James also comes into the starting XI, with winger Manor Solomon dropping to the bench. Largie Ramazani, who has recently recovered from an ankle injury, returns to the matchday squad but is again named as a substitute. Isaac Schmidt, having just returned to training after hernia surgery, is not yet fit for selection, while club captain Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev continue to be sidelined with knee issues.
For Blackburn Rovers, manager John Eustace has made a single change to his lineup, with Owen Beck replacing Ryan Hedges in the starting team. Former Leeds loanee Lewis Baker is among the substitutes for Rovers.
Blackburn Rovers Starting XI: Pears; Brittain, Hyam, Batth, Pickering; Tronstad, Travis (c), Dolan; Cantwell, Beck, Ohashi.
Subs: Hilton, McFadzean, Gueye, Rankin-Costello, Hedges, Leonard, Buckley, Cozier-Duberry, Baker.
Leeds United Starting XI: Meslier; Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Firpo; Tanaka, Rothwell; James, Gnonto, Aaronson.
Subs: Darlow, Debayo, Wober, Crew, Guilavogui, Ramazani, Solomon, Joseph, Bamford.
Referee: Lewis Smith.
