Ben Parker has shared his prediction for Leeds United’s clash with Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.
The Whites face another huge match in their push for the top two having stumbled in the last few weeks, picking up just five points from a possible 12 available.
Thankfully, though, those around Leeds have also been feeling the pressure as of late, with Ipswich Town picking up just one point in two matches, and Leicester City losing at Millwall on Tuesday.
Leeds were held to a 0-0 draw by Sunderland in midweek and could be about to face another side happy to come and sit deep, so the onus will be on the hosts to be far better at breaking down Blackburn.
Rovers themselves have it all to play for in the run-in, as they are right in the mix to be relegated this season having just been beaten 5-0 by Bristol City on Wednesday.
Parker now predicts the score when Leeds face Blackburn on Saturday
It will be interesting to see if Daniel Farke makes any changes to his starting XI tomorrow, as he currently has a number of his attacking players right out of form.
In the likes of Mateo Joseph and Willy Gnonto, he certainly has plenty of options if he wishes to do so, and freshening it up could help Leeds get their form back.
Former Leeds defender Parker has shared his prediction for the game on the latest episode of the LS11 Podcast, and thinks the Whites will win comfortably providing they score an early goal.
He said: “If we got an early goal it just settles everyone down but also ruins the opposition because they’d have to come out a little bit more. Blackburn scrapping for their lives, scrapping for points, I think they will do a Sunderland and park the bus.
“But after getting battered 5-0 on Wednesday night, their mindset must be absolutely shot. Take advantage, they will be nervy and waiting to get beat so it’s all about what we do. We’ve got to move the ball quicker.
“If we do that round the back, we might get Rutter more on the half turn, Summerville a bit more space. That is what the attacking players need when everyone is behind the ball. Early goal, will settle the players. I am going to make it 3-0.”
Predicted Leeds XI to face Blackburn
After two consecutive disappointing performances with the same starting XI, several players are now pushing to be brought into the side.
Gnonto simply has to come in on the right-hand-side in place of the under-performing Dan James, as he has come off the bench in the last two after recovering from his injury.
Connor Roberts is also a viable shout at right-back, which could then in turn see Archie Gray move into midfield for Glen Kamara.
Joseh and Joel Piroe will also be keen to show what they can do from the start, though Farke certainly is not one for wholesale changes.