Leeds United have emerged as a galvanized force under iconic Marcelo Bielsa, the former Argentina and Chile chief, who has exquisitely injected his mastery within the squad since being appointed their new gaffer earlier this summer. They are currently leading the Championship standings and are yet to lose a game this season in all competitions. A win against Bolton Wanderers led them to progress through to the second round of the prestigious EFL Cup competition where they are now set to host Preston North End tonight.
The Lilywhites, meanwhile, defeated minnows Morecambe in the previous round tie but are struggling in the league having lost their last two encounters and Alex Neil, the Preston boss, is under immense pressure to turn their season around. Leeds are expected to make some alterations, however, the visitors are tipped to line up the majority of their first-choice options against the mighty hosts in order to grind out a result defying the odds.
Team News
Leeds will continue to miss defensive ace Liam Cooper due to a hamstring strain suffered in the 11th hour prior to their Swansea City game last midweek whereas midfielder Adam Forshaw is unavailable through an ankle injury. Veteran Vurnon Anita is still sidelined with his ankle sprain but versatile Stuart Dallas has returned to team training after missing the opening fixtures following a thigh injury.
Predicted Leeds United Lineup (4-1-4-1)
Defence
Jamal Blackman, on loan from Chelsea, has been the second-fiddle to academy prodigy Bailey Peacock-Farrell in league outings but featured against Bolton in the first round fixture of the League Cup contest and is likely to start in goal once again on Tuesday night. 18-year-old Jamie Shackleton is rated highly by El Loco and should start as the right-back.
Left-back Tom Pearce, the other academy prospect, has been impressive in the limited game-time afforded to him and deserves a place in Leeds’ alternate line-up. Conor Shaughnessy, the Irish youngster, is also thriving for opportunities and should be fielded in central defence alongside Pontus Jansson who returned to action against Norwich City last weekend.
Midfield
Lewis Baker, the Chelsea loanee, would be a smart pick for cup fixtures. He should be deployed in a deeper role alongside Kalvin Phillips, the homegrown prodigy who has adjusted well in a new set-up. Samuel Saiz found the back of the net against Bolton in the Round 1 tie and should be utilized as a ‘number 10’ to link-up with the lone centre-forward.
19-year-old Tyler Roberts was recruited from West Brom back in winter but missed out on months of football after fracturing his shin bone. The promising winger finally made his official debut versus the Trotters a couple of weeks back and is likely to feature again on the left flank for the upcoming fixture. Jack Harrison, the Manchester City loanee, is also working hard to secure a regular role and the game against Preston will be crucial to stake a claim in Bielsa’s first-team plans.
Attack
The scintillating form of Kemar Roofe has refrained Patrick Bamford from securing a starting role since completing a big-money move from Middlesbrough earlier this summer but he has already found the back of the net in his first start versus Bolton Wanderers.
The striking sensation will look to add to his tally similar to the previous round and must be deployed from the beginning resting Roofe for the weekend encounter versus fellow prime promotion contenders Middlesbrough.
