Leeds United play host to bottom of the pile Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday night, with the Whites still in search of a first home victory of the new season.

Under fire Leeds boss Garry Monk has taken much flak from the assembled press, and to some degree, his own fanbase since the 2016-17 Championship season began. Saturday's defeat at the hands of local rivals Huddersfield meant that United's seventh boss of the Cellino era at Elland Road has won just one of his six league games in charge thus far.

It perhaps speaks volumes with regard to Leeds United's current predicament when just six matches into the new league season, they face a must-win encounter against a side bottom of the table in the form of Blackburn Rovers. Much of the worry regarding Garry Monk's job security has been fuelled by owner Massimo Cellino's historical record when it comes to managers, and it came as no surprise to many to see Monk seemingly cracking under the pressure on Saturday when he exhibited the prickliness of a Tory MP during an interview with the BBC's Adam Pope in the wake of a fourth league defeat in six games. After all, he's only contractually signed to the club on a one-year rolling contract, so you can understand why he may be feeling the strain of the demands that inevitably come with the managerial role at Cellino's Leeds United.

Many feel that it is imperative that the under fire Monk secures a first home win as Leeds manager tomorrow night, amid speculation that he could be the latest in a long line of recent managerial casualties at Elland Road if he fails to outwit his Blackburn counterpart Owen Coyle. The good news for the 37-year-old is that Blackburn are currently the worst side in the division, with Rovers bottom of the pile in the league standings having taken just two points from their opening six matches. The bad news however, is that Leeds are not that much better. The Whites sit 22nd having accumulated four points so far, and they potentially face the ignominy of slipping down to the foot of the table should Blackburn secure all three points tomorrow night. What's more is that Blackburn managed to salvage a respectable point away to Queens Park Rangers at the weekend in a 1-1 draw, so they will come into tomorrow night's clash with a tad more optimism than a deflated Leeds side who have suffered back-to-back defeats in their last two outings.

Team News

Leeds - United's only injury-hit absentee will once again be Swiss defender Gaetano Berardi, who is still recovering from the hamstring injury he sustained during the 3-0 opening day defeat at QPR. Ireland playmaker Eunan O'Kane could feature for the Whites for the first time since his deadline day move from Premier League Bournemouth, after missing out on the matchday squad last Saturday. Pablo Hernandez, Kemar Roofe, and Ronaldo Vieira, are among those chasing recalls.

Blackburn - Former Celtic utility man Charlie Mulgrew will be sidelined for tomorrow night's clash after picking up a calf injury during his side's draw with QPR at the weekend, with Corry Evans looking most likely to replace him in midfield. Central defender Elliot Ward will most certainly miss out, whilst winger Elliot Bennett and full-back Adam Henley are both doubts. Midfielder Martin Samuelsen and forward Marvin Emnes could both make their first starts for their new side after coming on as substitutes at Loftus Road.

Probable Lineups

Leeds (4-4-2) - Green; Ayling, Bartley, Jansson, Taylor; Sacko, Bridcutt, O'Kane, Hernandez; Antonsson, Wood.

Blackburn (4-4-2) - Steele; Lowe, Hoban, Greer, Williams; Marshall, Evans, Akpan, Conway; Graham, Gallagher.

Monk's thoughts ahead of crucial Blackburn clash

Match Facts

Leeds have lost their last three home games against Blackburn in all competitions.

Blackburn have scored at least two goals in their last four away matches against Leeds in all competitions.

Blackburn have failed to win in their last six Championship matches.

Key Players

Leeds United - Pontus Jansson, Central Defender - (7.27 WhoScored rating)

At six-foot-five Leeds United's on-loan defensive tower, 25-year-old Pontus Jansson, is more than a match for many an opposition striker. His combative, committed, and imposing style of play was there for all to see on Saturday despite his side's defeat, and he will likely be performing key duties at the heart of the Leeds defence on many occasions in the coming weeks and months.

Blackburn Rovers - Craig Conway, Winger - (7.06 WhoScored rating)

Conway, an experienced 31-year-old wide-man who has previously played for Cardiff City as well as Brighton and Hove Albion, has been one of the brighter sparks of Blackburn's dismal start to the season. With a goal and assist to his name after seven appearances in all competitions so far this campaign, the diminutive Irvine-born Scot is one of Blackburn's most pivotal players. Since moving to Ewood Park from Cardiff in January 2014 for an undisclosed fee, Conway has racked up 33 assists in 107 appearances in all competitions for Blackburn, proving the earlier point. He scored in his side's 2-0 success at Elland Road in this fixture last season, and if Leeds are to secure a first home win of the season tomorrow night, they will have to keep a close eye on Conway.

Memorable Match

Blackburn Rovers 3-4 Leeds United - 1997, Premier League.

Photo: Action Images

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