Daniel Farke believes Blackburn Rovers have shown that they are contenders for the play-offs this season.

Leeds United travel to Ewood Park this weekend in another tough test for Rovers. But they passed their midweek examination with flying colours, defeating Middlesbrough on the road.

Rovers are expected their largest crowd of the season, boosted by 7,000 making the trip from Yorkshire to Lancashire. Farke knows it will be a difficult test for his side.

"If they win their game in hand and you should expect this they sit in the top six," Farke said.

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"They’ve proved this with good results and performances. We know it’s not an easy place to go. They had a bit more time in the past week to recover and on the training pitch. 

"It’s a tough test and will be another difficult game. Expect a tight game, have to fight and use every per cent to win as many points as possible.

Leeds are sweating on the fitness of Sam Byram, who scored in midweek but went off injured. Junior Firpo is back from a three-game ban though and could return if the defender isn't fit.

“He had a scan, we're still waiting for the results,” Farke revealed. 

“It will be a tight call and a late decision. We have to wait a little bit and be patient. We have to take a decision if Sam is not available. I would prefer to have him as an option, he played excellent in his last game, important for our defensive stability and good possession. 

"His experience, attacking and defending set-pieces, he's an important player for us. I hope he's available but we'll find good solutions and whoever gets the nod has the chance to shine.”

"I was happy to be able to give him his 10 minutes,” he added on Largie Ramazani, who is recently back from injury.

“He showed some glimpses that he's an important player and once he's back to full fitness a top-class player for us. 

"He needs a bit of time. He won't be a topic for the starting line-up but to have a player with a little bit of magic who can create something out of nothing is a good option to have on the bench."