Blackburn v Leeds United: YEP jury predictions

KEITH INGHAM

Sometimes life and football throw up something or a result you simply cannot explain. Tuesday was one of those occasions. I’ve already written obituaries for the current campaign and recent poor showings culminating in the ‘Shocker on the South Coast’.

So my chance to do the main article was my chance to vent my spleen on where I think Cellino, Evans and some players are not doing the club any favours with their ownership, leadership and performances. Away to Cardiff City on a Tuesday filled me with dread. I actually went to the ‘beam back’ at Elland Road so I could meet Leeds legend Norman Hunter and what a marvellous man he is, still passionate and knowledgeable about the club he played for years back when Leeds were a force in football.

What I saw in 90 minutes changed completely what I was to write, battling for every ball, passion to win and joy in victory thanks to two marvellous breakaway goals by Leeds’ own Ant and Douk. Credit where it is due as it was a fine away performance aided by a ‘Middlesbrough away’ display by the sometimes criticised Marco Silvestri. Some unbelievable saves.

That made it back-to-back wins and a lunchtime kick-off at Blackburn Rovers will test this two-game revival. Their latest win was 2-0 over recently impressive Birmingham City – they beat Boro 2-1 in their previous home game – and they were very unlucky to lose to their local rivals and top-of-the-table Burnley. With Graham and Watt up front Leeds will need a solid defensive performance; they have enough in their squad to trouble resurgent Leeds.

Paul Lambert, the ex-Aston Villa manager, is slowly but surely turning the club’s fortunes around. Ex-Leeds man Mathew Kilgallon will hope to complete the double over his old club. The first game at Elland Road ended 2-0 with Blackburn scoring two early goals to end the game as a contest. A poor display from Leeds, so hopefully revenge will be on the players’ minds.

Steve Evans, apart from Ross Turnbull, will have a full squad to pick from. Coyle and Cooper should be in contention along with fit-again Chris Wood. The team did so well at Cardiff, Evans may keep the same XI and start the returning players on the bench. It’s never easy to second-guess the head coach; Tuesday’s line-up surprised many but to his credit it worked like a dream.

A week ago I’d be less hopeful but I think Leeds can record a victory to virtually guarantee Championship football next season; it will be close mind you.

Prediction: Blackburn 1 Leeds United 2.

GARY NEWBOULD

Fresh from ending a 32-year hoodoo in Wales, United cross the Pennines to take on Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park – another unhappy hunting ground.

After the rock-bottom of Brighton, it’s been back-to-back victories for the Whites, coming at just the right time after third-bottom Rotherham have also started to find some form under former United manager Neil Warnock– with three consecutive victories themselves.

Rovers lie one point and one position worse than United, but under the new stewardship of Paul Lambert they have started to be more consistent, especially at home.