Leeds United vs Blackburn Rovers Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds

Published at :January 1, 2025 at 6:05 PM

Modified at :January 1, 2025 at 6:05 PM

EFL Championship leaders take on fifth-placed opponents.

New Year’s Day will take us to Elland Road where Leeds United will welcome Blackburn Rovers in their 25th EFL Championship fixture. Leeds will hope to begin 2025 in the best possible way with a win and strengthen their promotion aspirations. The Whites are the favourites to win the English second tier and secure promotion back to the Premier League. With 51 points from 24 games, they sit at the top of the summit.

⏩ Up next: Kicking off the new year with a trip to Elland Road 🛣️#LEEvROV | #Rovers 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/sGygPoCRFy
— Blackburn Rovers (@Rovers) December 30, 2024

Blackburn Rovers on the other hand are seeking consistency. After a series of victories and a good run of form, the Riversiders find themselves in trouble having failed to win their last three encounters. With two defeats and a draw, Blackburn are winless in their last three games, including a defeat to Hull City in their last outing. However, they will also be keen to begin the new year on the right note.

Kick Off

Wednesday, January 1, 2025, 8:30 PM IST

Venue: Elland Road

Form

Leeds United (in all competitions): W-W-W-D-W

Blackburn Rovers (in all competitions): L-D-L-W-W

Players to watch

Joël Piroe (Leeds United)

The Dutch forward has been firing on all cylinders for Leeds United this season. He has played a significant part in Leeds’ run to the top of the table and their dominant run of form in the Championship. His ability to operate with both his feet combined with his brilliant heading abilities makes him an unstoppable force for Leeds. Piroe is a crucial part of the puzzle to fuel Leeds’ promotion aspiration having made 14 goals contributions already.

Makhtar Gueye (Blackburn Rovers)

The Senegalese striker will be the man to watch out for the Blackburn Rovers coming into this fixture. He has been the best player in the Championship this season and is expected to bring his best game to the table and help Blackburn stage a strong fight against the league leaders. He is known for his positioning and physical prowess. With one goal and six assists, Gueye has recorded the most number of goal contributions for his side.

Match facts

There has not been a single draw in the last 15 meetings between the two sides
Blackburn Rovers have won four of their last seven away games against Leeds United
Blackburn Rovers have played 31 games on New Year’s Day

Leeds United vs Blackburn Rovers: Betting tips and Odds

Tip 1: Leeds United to win – 2/5 by UNIBET
Tip 2: Joel Piroe to score – 7/4 by bet365
Tip 3: Both teams to score – 6/5 by Betway

Injury & Team News

Leeds United will miss Ilia Gruev, Joe Gelhardt, Junior Firpo, and Maximilian Wöber. Meanwhile, Blackburn are expected to have a fully fit squad available for selection.

Head-to-head

Total Matches played – 35

Leeds United wins – 16

Blackburn Rovers wins – 13

Draws – 6

Predicted Line-up

Leeds United (4-2-3-1)

Meslier (GK); Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Byram; Ampadu, Rothwell; James, Aaronson, Solomon; Piroe

Blackburn Rovers (4-2-3-1)

Pears (GK); Brittain, Batth, Hyam, Beck; Baker, Tronstad; Cozier-Duberry, Cantwell, Dolan; Gueye

Prediction

Leeds United have been phenomenal this season and are therefore the league leaders. We expect this game to go their way.

Prediction: Leeds United 2-1 Blackburn Rovers

Telecast Details

India – FanCode

UK – Sky Sports Football

US – CBS Sports Network, Paramount+

Nigeria – No Telecast

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