John Eustace will be forced into two alterations due to injury when Blackburn Rovers face Sunderland on Boxing Day.
Lewis Travis and Harry Pickering are both expected to miss time with hamstring and knee injuries sustained against Millwall.
That allows Lewis Baker and Owen Beck to take their place. Beck came on as a replacement at The Den after being ill last week, but he is ready to start.
Baker deputised for Travis at Hull City three weeks ago, so it’s reasonable to expect him to play a few games over the next six weeks.
Aside from that, Callum Brittain may return to right-back in lieu of Joe Rankin-Costello, who has started the last three games.
The other changes could include a reshuffle at the top of the pitch. Eustace has started Makhtar Gueye and Yuki Ohashi together in the last two games, but I believe one will leave out.
Todd Cantwell is significantly more suited to the number 10 position. Ryan Hedges will be vying for his spot on the left, with Gueye most likely to drop to the bench to make room for Cantwell’s move inside.
On the right, I suppose Eustace would prefer Tyrhys Dolan’s experience in such a major game. Cozier-Duberry has impressed in his last two starts, but he can also make an impact off the bench.
Predicted Rovers team: Pears; Brittain, Hyam, Batth, Beck; Baker, Tronstad; Dolan, Cantwell, Hedges; Ohashi.
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