“Physical presence” - Blackburn Rovers, John Eustace told to make attacking change v QPR | OneFootball

Blackburn fan pundit Toby believes the team would benefit from Makhtar Gueye's inclusion against QPR.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Blackburn Rovers would benefit from starting Makhtar Gueye against QPR as they look to build on what has been a very impressive start to the season, according to Football League World's Rovers fan pundit.

Many observers tipped John Eustace’s side for relegation this season, but they have defied the odds in the early weeks, having picked up 12 points from six games, and they’re yet to taste defeat in the league.

However, the 0-0 draw against Preston North End last time out was frustrating, as Rovers played a chunk of the game with a man advantage, but they struggled to create clear chances.

Makhtar Gueye could make a difference for Blackburn Rovers

Therefore, Eustace may be considering changes ahead of QPR’s visit to Ewood Park on Saturday and fan pundit Toby explained to FLW that bringing Gueye into the XI at the expense of Lewis Baker could have a transformative effect on the attacking setup.

He said: “Other than the enforced change with Harry Pickering coming in for the suspended Owen Beck, I think the one change is the one we saw at halftime at Preston on Sunday which is Gueye coming on for Baker. I’m not sure he will be available anyway following the challenge he received that led to the Sam Greenwood red card.

“The reason I’d like to see Gueye back in is because of the outlet he provides. Yuki Ohashi is a good finisher but Gueye offers a physical presence, and the ball stuck to him at Preston more than it had in the first half.

“So, when he is in the team, you have more opportunities for the likes of Ohashi playing off him, which gives him more freedom and puts Tyrhys Dolan on the left, who is more natural in that position.

“We haven’t seen the best of Dolan in that ten role, and I think the best football he has played came on the left, so I think that one change could play into the strengths of quite a few players for Blackburn this weekend.”

Makhtar Gueye can have a big impact for Blackburn

Gueye has had a mixed start to the season, with the red card at Burnley the obvious low point, and his only goals have come in the League Cup.

But, he has recorded three assists in five Championship games, so he has certainly made his mark, and it appears as though he will be a shrewd signing for Blackburn.

As outlined above, he is a big, strong player, who can bring others into play with his hold-up play, and he is a presence in the box.

You can understand why Eustace left him on the bench at Deepdale, as Rovers hammered Bristol City when Gueye was suspended, but there’s no denying he was missed in that first half at North End.

Again, it’s not just about what Gueye offers the team himself, because, as stated by Toby, the likes of Ohashi and Dolan would both benefit from his inclusion.

Whilst QPR are a good side, this is a game Blackburn will believe they can win, especially at home, so it would be no surprise if Eustace took what would be considered a more attacking approach by starting Gueye at the expense of Baker.