Good times to continue for Leeds at Blackburn?

By Mike Courtney

You know things are going well at your club when the emergency loan window closes and there was no clamouring on social media or fans forums for signings. Yes all is good down Elland Road way at the moment. That's not to say that the squad assembled by BMAC is by far the finished article. Most would agree that we are probably short one or two quality signings to sustain our rise up the table, but that can wait until the transfer window opens in January. The recent additions of Blackstock and Marius Zaliukas have strengthened the squad and the run we are on at the moment, with 5 wins in the last 6 games has seen Leeds climb into the top six.

Heading into the busy festive schedule, with 7 games coming up in the next few weeks, we will need the strength in depth that the squad now has, starting with a tricky trip across the Pennines to Ewood Park. Leeds will travel with confidence backed by over 6000 of the faithful. Our away form is still a bit of an issue and will need to improve somewhat if we are to gather all three points. It could end up a battle of the Scots with in form Ross McCormack, on the back of 7 goals in 3 games, up against Jordan Rhodes the 8 million pound man. Since Ross has moved back up front, following stints on the wing and in the hole, the goals have started to flow and his partnership with either Matt Smith or Dexter Blackstock will cause the Blackburn defence problems. Hopefully he can keep up his good run of form and bag the goals necessary to get the victory.

The midfield trio of Murphy, Austin and the ever improving Mowatt virtually picks itself at this stage and they will need to be on top form to stifle the home midfield and create the chances for the front two. With Scott Wootten ruled out for a few weeks the three centre backs will be Pearce, Lees and Zaliukas and they will have their work cut out to curb the influence of Rhodes and Campbell. BMAC has a decision to make with the wing backs with Warnock and Byram back to full fitness but the form shown by Peltier and the Resurrection Man, Danny Pugh, might give the boss some headaches before he settles on his starting eleven. Both have been performing well and though I do feel Byram is a better alternative to Peltier it will be hard to drop the ex-skipper based on his recent performances.

From a fans perspective it is great to have these options and I'm sure that that competition within the squad for a starting place is welcomed by the manager and all at the club. The team is playing with renewed confidence since the change of formation. Tomorrow will be another stern test but with Rossco in the form of his life we can nick another vital three points to maintain of top six spot.

Leeds to win 2-1 with Ross and Mowatt (he is due a goal after his recent performances) on the score sheet. We can then start preparing for our two home games against Wigan and Watford as we head into a busy December.

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