Leeds United will host League One side Crewe Alexandra on Tuesday in the EFL Cup second round. The Whites got their first points of the league campaign this weekend when they drew 2-2 against Everton at a loud Elland Road.
Marcelo Bielsa will hope his side progress through the second round this season as they were knocked out in their first EFL Cup game last season. Bielsa’s side lost to Hull City on penalties last season.
We could see a much-changed Leeds United side for Tuesday night’s game as Bielsa has often picked a completely different side for Cup games.
Team News
Central defenders Robin Koch and Diego Llorente could be the two absentees for the game as the former has a knock, while the latter is recovering from his knee injury.
Let’s take a look at the possible Leeds United side for their game against Crewe Alexandra:
Predicted Leeds United Lineup vs Crewe Alexandra
Goalkeeper
Illan Meslier has made the No. 1 spot his at Leeds United, but he could be given a rest for the EFL Cup game. New signing Kristoffer Klaesson could be drafted into the Leeds United lineup and make his Whites debut on Tuesday.
Defence
Pascal Struijk will likely start at the back for the Whites, but Captain Liam Cooper may get a rest. Bielsa could either call up U23 defender Charlie Cresswell into the starting lineup, or play Luke Ayling at the heart of the defence and use another player at right-back.
Ayling could move in-field, while youngster Cody Drameh – who was an unused substitute against Everton – could start at right-back. Junior Firpo, who is finding his footing in English football, could also keep his place at left-back for the Whites.
Midfield
Defensive midfielder Kalvin Phillips could get a breather after playing the entire 90 minutes against Everton. Jamie Shackleton, who was a second-half substitute against Everton, could take up his place in the base of midfield.
Predicted Leeds United Lineup vs Crewe Alexandra
Adam Forshaw, who hasn’t played since September 2019, could finally get a start. Forshaw has been in the Leeds squad for the first two games of the season, but was an unused substitute on both occasions.
Tyler Roberts should play the attacking midfield role on Tuesday night, while Rodrigo is an option for Bielsa too.
Attack
Rodrigo will likely start the game against Crewe and will be the main striker up front in place of Patrick Bamford. Youngster Joe Gelhardt could be an option off the bench for Bielsa.
Helder Costa could replace Jack Harrison in the Leeds United lineup, while highly-rated winger Crysencio Summerville should start on the right. Ian Poveda is an option for Bielsa in the wide positions.
