Lewis Dunk could be set for the biggest test of his high-flying season – against the Championship’s king of the skies.

The division has been looking up to 6ft 4in French striker Rudy Gestede this season as Blackburn soar into play-off contention.

And he could pose an even greater threat than perennial goal-getter Jordan Rhodes at the Amex today.

The bargain £300,000 buy from Cardiff City has scored nine league goals already this season, a tally beaten only by ten-goal Chris Martin and Darryl Murphy.

He comfortably wins more headers per game than any other Championship player. And he is a big reason why Blackburn are one of the most dangerous teams in the Championship at set-pieces.

Rovers’ tally of eight goals from dead ball situations is bettered only by Watford although Albion, with Dunk playing a huge role, are just behind with seven.

Blackburn also put in an above-average 23 crosses per game, many from highly rated Ben Marshall on the left.

Set-piece goals from Shane Duffy and Rudy Gestede earn a point at Millwall on Tuesday - but it should have been more

So, while Rhodes obviously remains a threat, Rovers have tailored their game to suit Gestede. And he is revelling in that state of affairs.

“I think I’m in the best (goalscoring) form of my career,” he said after netting twice in the 3-0 defeat of Reading last Saturday.

“When I joined Blackburn it was the first time in my career that I’ve been in the starting team every week so I thank the staff for this.”

Marshall can go inside or out while right-sided Tom Cairney tends to cut in on to his left foot.

That allows space for full-backs Marcus Olsson and Alex Baptiste to go forward, something Olsson does well on the left.

Gestede, 26, has scored four times in his last three games and has impressed illustrious predecessor Chris Sutton.

The 1995 title winner said: “I really like the look of Gestede. I think he’s a little bit raw but I can’t remember the last time I saw a centre forward that dominant in the air like him.

“He’s superb in the air, there’s no doubt about that, and now I would love to see him pin people in and around the box because he’s got a nice touch and he holds the ball up well. He’s still relatively young and if you are Cardiff then you must be kicking yourself for letting him go.”

With Rhodes and Gestede in attack, Rovers usually play 4-4-2.

Traditionally visiting teams at the Amex have operated with a lone frontman, although Rotherham switched to two-up to good effect after 15 minutes of the recent 1-1 draw.

Rovers could leave out Rhodes – but that is almost unthinkable around Ewood Park given his goals record.

Or they put Gestede on the bench and bring fit-again Lee Williamson back into a three-man central midfield.

If Gestede does have to kick his heels, though, Albion should still be wary.

Last time that happened, at Nottingham Forest recently, the former Metz youngster joined the fray with his side 1-0 down and scored in what turned into a 3-1 win.

His recent strikes also include one against Watford, a game which brought some of his manager’s most glowing praise yet this season. “He was unplayable,” Bowyer said. “They couldn’t handle him. Every time the ball went in the box we looked like we were going to score.”

Those who watch Rovers regularly insist they are not long ball merchants.

They can play good football –- but the aim of that football is to get crosses in. Preferably in the direction of Gestede.

Sutton pondered: “Can he go up from the Championship to the Premiership? There’s a difference but give him the right ball in the box and who’s going to stop him? Which centre half in the Premiership would like to fight him and go toe to toe with him?”