Blackburn Rovers considerations ahead of Watford trip

Defensive picture

Callum Brittain was perhaps a tad unlucky to find himself out of the starting line-up during the first few games of the campaign, but the versatile defender impressed after coming on at left-back against Hull.

The former Barnsley man looks set to start against Watford this weekend, with Harry Pickering suspended and Jake Batty missing last weekend’s fixture due to a minor issue.

Rovers are currently light in numbers in defence, with Sam Barnes also facing another spell out of action with a thigh problem.

The current situation highlights the need for reinforcements before the transfer window closes, with Danny Batth and Ross Sykes both on the club’s radar.

One positive is the partnership between Hayden Carter and Dom Hyam in the middle of the backline. The pair formed a good understanding during the final months of last season and have picked up where they left off.

Rovers’ impressive defensive numbers were a major factor in their play-off push last term and Tomasson will been keen to maintain a solid base.

Midfield flexibility

There has been some debate among supporters over which role best suits Adam Wharton’s individual qualities.

The Academy graduate’s technical ability is clear for all to see and he looks set to have a big future in the game if he keeps his feet on the ground.

Tomasson has used him alongside Lewis Travis in recent weeks, viewing his biggest strength as receiving the ball in deeper areas and building attacks.

However, Wharton has also looked dangerous when pushed into a more advanced midfield role, where he is perhaps more likely to pick out a killer pass or chip in with goals.

Adam Wharton has the ability to unlock defences (Image: Camerasport)

Travis continues to play an important role in the middle of the pitch and his energy is a major asset when trying to dictate the play in the way Tomasson wants.

Summer signing Sondre Tronstad started against West Brom on the opening day. While he was still building up his sharpness, the 27-year-old showed glimpses of what he can bring to the side against the Baggies.

Attacking options

Sam Gallagher’s return has bolstered Tomasson’s attacking options and Niall Ennis continues to look sharper each time he steps onto the pitch.

Gallagher came off the bench against Rotherham and was on target against Hull last weekend, beating Matt Ingram with a clinical finish.

Ennis played a part in the goal and was also involved in Sam Szmodics’ equaliser against Rotherham earlier this month.

The forward will be keen to prove he has what it takes to make it in the Championship, having scored 14 goals last term as Plymouth Argyle clinched the League One title.

Harry Leonard impressed against West Brom on the opening day, scoring his first senior goal at Ewood Park, but has struggled to make his mark in the last couple of fixtures.

The youngster will only improve with game time, having put pen to paper over a new four-year deal earlier this summer.

Arnor Sigurdsson is also targeting a return after the international break, although he will need to build up his fitness after missing pre-season.

The Iceland international certainly knows where the net is, scoring 15 goals in 26 appearances while on loan at IFK Norrkoping last term.

Goalkeeping competition

Tomasson was keen to maintain a healthy level of competition in the goalkeeping department after Thomas Kaminski’s move to Premier League newcomers Luton Town, and Leo Wahlstedt will be keen to make the most of any opportunities that come his way following his arrival in East Lancashire.

Aynsley Pears has started the season as the first-choice shot stopper at Ewood Park and made several good saves against Hull, including a brave stop to deny Manchester City loanee Liam Delap from close range.

The 25-year-old has also showed composure to play out from the back in recent weeks despite pressing from opposition sides.

Wahlstedt, who was absent from the squad against the Tigers due to illness, is also comfortable on the ball and says Rovers’ style of play was one of the key factors in his decision to join the club.

The Swede was in good form prior to his move, keeping eight clean sheets in 17 games in the Norwegian top flight. Those figures put him above the other goalkeepers in the division.

The pair will be keen to drive each other on in training and, in theory, the side should only benefit from their battle for the No. 1 jersey.