Blackburn Rovers endured another frustrating afternoon on Saturday.
At home to Plymouth Argyle, John Eustace once again went in search of his first official win in charge of the club, in his eighth game in charge.
Things initially started well for the hosts, with Sam Szmodics scoring his 27th goal of the season inside the opening ten minutes.
However, it was the visitors who were largely on top, missing a number of chances to equalise before half time.
After the break, Blackburn Rovers then saw their task get even harder. Ten minutes after the interval, Kyle McFadzean was sent off for bringing down Ryan Hardie with the striker through on goal.
With a man advantage, the visitors would find an equaliser with 74 minutes on the clock, when Morgan Whittaker scrambled the ball home from close range.
That means it is now just two wins in 18 Championship games, a run that leaves Blackburn Rovers just three points clear of the relegation zone.
There is also now a blow with the suspension that McFadzean will receive for his red card. The 37-year-old has been an ever present in the starting XI as part of a back three, since joining in January.
Hayden Carter, who may otherwise be Blackburn Rovers’ preferred choice to come into the side, is also still out with injury.
So with that in mind, we’ve taken a look at the three options Eustace could use to replace McFadzean – if he continues with a back three – right here.
Billy Koumetio is still waiting for his opportunity
Having signed on loan from Liverpool on the final day of the transfer window, Billy Koumetio is yet to get much of a chance for Blackburn Rovers.
His only appearance so far, has come as a substitute in the FA Cup clash with Newcastle United. The 21-year-old did however, catch the eye in that game, albeit while not always playing a natural or obvious centre back role.
Even so, the spark he offered could bring a lift to the side, and he does offer some useful height from set-pieces. The loanee and his parent club may also be expecting him to get a chance at Ewood Park soon regardless.
Connor O’Riordan has a long future to come at Blackburn Rovers
Another January signing, Connor O’Riordan joined from Crewe Alexandra on a contract until the summer of 2028.
Since then, he too has had to wait for his chance. The centre back has so far made just two appearances for Blackburn Rovers, both of which have been as a substitute late on in matches.
This could therefore be a chance for him to adapt further to his new club. That could be a gamble given the current situation they are in. However, he may benefit from the experience, and he too could add some useful height to this side.
Ben Chrisene could facilitate a re-shuffle
Aston Villa loanee Ben Chrisene has not started any of the last four league games that Blackburn Rovers have played.
He is not a natural centre back either. He has however, done a solid job in his more natural left-back position at times since moving to Ewood Park. Bringing him into fill that role as part of the starting XI, could then allow Harry Pickering to step inside as the third centre back.
While not a natural in that position, Pickering has done that job for Blackburn Rovers before, and he does have more experience at this level, than those other options.