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Blackburn Rovers cannot be relishing a trip across the Pennines to Yorkshire's only remaining side in the EFL Cup, Leeds United. The two clubs met just last week, with United running out the 2-1 winners, but it will be all square at 7:45pm Tuesday night.
Since their last meeting less than a week ago, both clubs had convincing wins against fellow struggling Championship sides at the weekend. Leeds was victorious in the Welsh capital, and Blackburn thumped Rotherham 4-2.
With Leeds's upturn in form and a difficult fixture against Ipswich Town on the horizon, Garry Monk may be tempted to experiment with and rest players, but I would take nothing for granted: Rovers will want revenge for last Tuesday night.
With Blackburn putting 4 passed the Millers on Saturday, the Whites should guard against too many changes and I hope Monk keeps the same centre back pairing of Bartley and Jansson, whose efforts helped keep United's first clean sheet in 4 games. Jansson's efforts in particular have not gone unnoticed by fans.
With this game being midweek and the two clubs having already recently played, there are still plenty of tickets left for this. Although the game may not be the tie of the round, its our chance to advance and possibly take on one of the big boys from the Premier League in round 4.
I'd like to see Leeds go on the offensive with an attacking line up using Dallas and Roofe to support Wood and Antonsson and O'Kane and Bridcutt the holding midfielders, as it appears Bridcutt will be back from injury.
Captain Bridcutt may return for Rovers cup game: https://t.co/jbB70CJ00w #yeplive #lufc pic.twitter.com/DvtuC47j0v
— YEP Sport (@YEPSportsdesk) September 18, 2016
The game has to be settled on the night, so I would expect Rovers manager Owen Coyle to utilise the attacking options of Marvin Emnes and Sam Gallagher to test United's new found defensive resilience.
Head-to-Head
Leeds United have won 25 of the previous 48 encounters with 12 drawn and Blackburn winning 11.
Form
From the last 5 league and cup, Leeds stats are W3, D0, L2. Blackburn's stats are W2, D1, L2.
Leeds United player to watch
I hope this game isn't about our defence, but the man who is quickly becoming a fan favorite will hopefully be on display again: Pontus Jansson. We are getting to know him as a player and his recent displays have literally been head and shoulders above his predecessors. He was voted TIAT man of the match in our poll post Cardiff, and with the passion and commitment he has already shown, I'd love to see his goal celebration.
Blackburn Rovers player to watch
On loan from Premiership Swansea, Marvin Emnes has hit form. He scored one and made one v Rotherham on Saturday and has undoubted quality that took him to the premiership.
WHAT
Leeds United v Blackburn Rovers
EFL Cup Round Three
WHERE
Elland Road, Leeds, England
WHEN
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
11:45am PT / 2:45pm ET / 7:45pm BT
WHO
Leeds United's possible lineup
Green, Ayling, Jansson, Bartley, Taylor, Bridcutt, O'Kane, Hernandez, Dallas, Sacko, Antonsson
Blackburn Rovers' possible lineup
Steele, Williams, Hoban, Greer, Lowe, Marshall, Conway, Akpan, Conway, Gallagher, Emnes
ODDS
Leeds 11/10
Draw 23/10
Blackburn 13/5
PREDICTION
It will be close, but I'm hoping for another clean sheet. Leeds win 1-0 on a Jansson header.