Rovers projected a team riddled with issues against Boro.
Jon Dahl Tomasson must make crucial decisions as Blackburn Rovers prepare to play Middlesbrough at Ewood Park.
Rovers come home after back-to-back away matches before the international break with the return of the Championship. The transfer market has also closed, and Tomasson’s squad appears to be much stronger.
Joe Rankin-Costello has been declared fit, while newcomers James Hill and Semir Telelaovic are also in contention. The game, though, comes too soon for Arnor Sigurdsson and Niall Ennis.
Following a disheartening 3-0 loss against Plymouth, there are a few personnel questions on the field. The Lancashire Telegraph’s best guess for how Rovers will line up at 3pm on Saturday is as follows.
Goalkeeper
Perhaps the most contentious issue is who should start in goal. Following the transfer of Thomas Kaminski, Aynsley Pears has been the number one in every league match.
However, he did not cover himself in glory with goals two and three at Home Park, prompting some supporters to urge for a change. Leopold Wahlstedt has yet to make his Championship debut and has still to be put through his paces after appearing in the 8-0 thrashing of Harrogate Town.
When asked about the goalie competition, Tomasson implied that Pears will hold his spot. It remains to be seen whether this is the correct decision.
Defence
This season, Tomasson hasn’t modified his defense unnecessarily. Rankin-Costello, on the other hand, has returned after missing the previous two matches due to a groin injury.
It will all come down to fitness in the end. If Tomasson believes Rankin-Costello is ready, he will most likely be chosen.
Hill will most likely be a substitute at center-back. Dom Hyam and Hayden Carter have formed an impressive partnership, one I don’t see being jeopardized.
Midfield
It’s difficult to see any progress in the middle. Tomasson’s preferred lineup appears to be Adam Wharton, Lewis Travis, and Sam Szmodics.
Sondre Tronstad hasn’t demonstrated enough in his few minutes to destabilize those ahead of him. Similarly, Jake Garrett has performed well in cup matches, but I doubt he will start the game.
Attack
Everyone wants to see Semir Telalovic, but the new Rovers striker is more likely to come off the bench. Because Ennis is out, it’s a toss-up between Sam Gallagher and Harry Leonard, with the former set to start.
Despite his crucial miss against Argyle, Ryan Hedges will start on the right. The question mark is on the left, but Andy Moran is expected to keep his spot ahead of the eccentric Tyrhys Dolan.
Pears; Rankin-Costello, Carter, Hyam, Pickering; Wharton, Travis, Szmodics; Hedges, Moran, Gallagher; Hedges, Moran, Gallagher.
