Championship: Rhodes to end drought and take Rovers above Leeds

Jamie Clark, Sports Editor | October 28, 2015

Leeds United v Blackburn Rovers

Whites on wretched run in Roses derby

Leeds United have lost their last four against Lancashire rivals Blackburn Rovers and have no win in seven, so this battle between fallen football heavyweights is firmly in the Red Rose’s favour.

Coral thus make Blackburn a superb 7/4 for victory at Elland Road, and such a result would take Gary Bowyer’s team above their hosts in the Championship table. The Whites have been branded a model of instability by some commentators, with controversial owner Massimo Cellino once again banned from running the club by the Football League.

Marmite manager Steve Evans is still awaiting his first win in charge of Leeds, and they are narrow 13/8 favourites to get it here, because Rovers have failed to score in their last three and United leading marksman Chris Wood has proven his fitness after a knock. A draw, meanwhile, is an 11/5 chance.

Leeds hopes pinned on Wood

Netting five goals since signing for the Whites is hardly anything to write home about, but New Zealand target man Wood has always scored first against Blackburn when previously handed a chance to face them from the start. Awesome odds of 11/2 say the Kiwi striker shall grab the opener. Wood is also worth a look in an enhanced 4/1 wincast if punters fancy Leeds for the win.

Evans will want more from the supporting cast, led by 6/4 anytime chance Mirko Antenucci and wide duo Will Buckley (7/2 in that market) and Stuart Dallas (4/1). DR Congo winger Jordan Botaka has shown flashes of potential too, but will be assessed ahead of the game because of a bout of tonsillitis.

All Rhodes lead to another Jordan for Rovers

Blackburn’s star striker Jordan Rhodes is unsurprisingly their main threat. Once again he tops their scoring charts with seven in his last eight outings, but has drawn a blank in the last three.

That is reflected by Rovers’ recent winless run, but Rhodes has four in his previous three fixtures against Leeds. He is thus a short 5/4 anytime chance, but better in an alternative enhanced 4/1 wincast and a superb 7/1 shot to replicate two goals or more from his last Elland Road visit this past April.

Bowyer’s boys are without combative midfielder Danny Guthrie for this game, while Wood’s former Leicester City teammate and usual winger Ben Marshall could deputise at right back in place of Adam Henley.

Related

Check out our Championship section.

Take a look at our Leeds United archives.

Coral’s top tip: Blackburn’s barren run is due to end, so take a fantastic 5/1 on an away win with both teams finding the target through respective threats Rhodes and Wood.