Rovers reporter Rich Sharpe picks out three talking points ahead of the Championship game with Leeds United.

MIDFIELD MAKE-UP

Tony Mowbray broke up the dependable partnership of Richie Smallwood and Corry Evans for the first time in 20 matches for the win at Bolton last time out

Jack Rodwell and Harrison Reed did a fine job in the opening 45 minutes, before Smallwood and Evans were called for on the hour.

Against a more progressive team in Leeds, and Elliott Bennett likely to be needed at full back because of an injury to Ryan Nyambe, we could see Smallwood and Evans return, with Reed moved back out to the flank if Mowbray’s goes 4-2-3-1.

The option of going three at the back is unlikely if Charlie Mulgrew isn't deemed to have shaken off a hamstring injury picked up on international duty.

Leeds have averaged the second most shots (14.3) and most possession (57.8 per cent) in the Championship this season, and stopping their threat from midfield could prove key.  

HOME RESPONSE

For so long we were discussing Rovers’ long unbeaten home run. That came to an end after 25 matches against Sheffield United last time out.

Now, after six games this season, Rovers have won just once in front of their own fans, and only three teams have fewer points than their seven.

Only four sides have scored fewer than their six goals, two of which have come from the penalty spot.

That doesn’t tell the whole story however. Rovers were excellent in spells against Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest, in games they drew, and will look back at games against Millwall and Reading as points dropped.

However, there will be no room for a slow start here, with Rovers still looking for a first half goal at home this season, against a Leeds side who will be roared on by more than 7,500 fans.

TOUGH RETURN

Rovers returned from the last international break with five points from three tough looking games against Aston Villa, Derby and Stoke City, the latter two away, in the space of a week.

This time their schedule looks even more challenging, a home game against Leeds before trips to Swansea City and West Brom.

Leeds are unbeaten away from home, with 12 goals in six away matches, while West Brom have scored 20 times in six home matches.

Rovers go in to the games in 10th spot, a point outside the play-offs and thinking positively about their start to life in the Championship.

A good return of points from their next three fixtures will tell us a lot about where this team are, and where they could go.