Blackburn Rovers manager Tony Mowbray has two fitness concerns in defence as his team prepares to host Queens Park Rangers in the Championship this weekend. According to a report from Yahoo Sports, left-backs Harry Pickering and Yuri Ribeiro are both carrying knocks ahead of the fixture at Ewood Park.
Rovers have started the season with four points from their opening two league matches, a solid foundation for the campaign. The midweek Carabao Cup exit to Sheffield United is expected to lead to minimal changes from the side that beat Middlesbrough. Goalkeeper Balazs Toth is set to start, with the looming transfer deadline adding intrigue to his situation.
Who will start in defence for Blackburn?
The back line will see continuity with Ryan Alebiosu, Tom Atcheson and Sean McLoughlin expected to continue. The major question is at left-back. Mowbray indicated he was hopeful at least one of Pickering or Ribeiro would be available. Given Pickering's recent return to the starting lineup, the report predicts he will get the nod to play. This defensive unit will be tasked with containing a QPR attack that has struggled for consistency early in the season, a trend visible in the standings.
What is the predicted midfield and attack?
In midfield, the experienced Sam Morsy is set to partner Kristi Montgomery, providing a blend of tenacity and energy. Ahead of them, the attacking trio should feature Ryoya Morishita, Todd Cantwell and Dapo Afolayan. This group offers creativity and direct running, key assets for breaking down opposition defences. Leading the line will be Andir Gudjohnsen, the focal point of the attack. Injuries to Yuki Ohashi and Mathias Jorgensen mean attacking options on the substitute's bench are limited.
The predicted starting eleven is: Toth; Alebiosu, Atcheson, McLoughlin, Pickering; Morsy, Montgomery; Morishita, Cantwell, Afolayan; Gudjohnsen.
How does the squad depth look currently?
Injuries are impacting Rovers' options, particularly in forward areas. This places a greater onus on the named starters to perform and avoid further fitness issues. The current squad page shows the distribution of players, highlighting areas where cover is thin. The team's early season form has been encouraging, but maintaining it through a demanding Championship schedule will test the group's resilience. The club's positive start has been built on a solid defensive foundation, conceding just twice in the league so far.
What comes next after the QPR match?
Following the QPR fixture, Blackburn Rovers face a quick turnaround with another Championship match in midweek. You can view the full schedule on the club's fixtures page. The outcome of this match could influence momentum heading into that next contest. Tony Mowbray will be keen to keep his team in the early promotion conversation, and a home win against a direct rival would be a significant step. The performance data from these opening games, available on our stats section, will help shape his tactical approach moving forward.
