After their disappointing draw against Newcastle United, Leeds United will face Championship side Fulham in the third round of the EFL Cup on Tuesday.
Leeds United have made a slow start to the Premier League season, drawing three and losing two of their opening five matches. But, they were in top form in their EFL Cup second-round match against Crewe Alexandra, winning the game 3-0.
They will go into the game as favourites, but the Cottagers will give them a tough fight and have been in good form in the Championship.
Team News
The draw against Newcastle United was disappointing for the Whites because of the result as well as the knocks several players sustained in the game. Winger Raphinha was brought off with a hip injury and may not be risked, while defender Luke Ayling was also brought off at the end of the match due to injury.
Centre-back Diego Llorente hobbled off in the game against Liverpool and missed the Newcastle game, but he confirmed that it was nothing serious, but there’s no news as to when he will return.
Robin Koch and Pascal Struijk will miss the game, though, with the former out due to injury and the latter suspended. Winger Jack Harrison has COVID and won’t be available.
Let’s take a look at the possible Leeds United team for the EFL Cup game against Fulham.
Predicted Leeds United Lineup vs Fulham
Goalkeeper
Marcelo Bielsa will likely keep Illan Meslier between the sticks for even EFL Cup games this season and he should start against Fulham.
Defence
Captain Liam Cooper will have to start considering the numerous injuries that Bielsa has at the back. If Luke Ayling is fit, he should start alongside Cooper at the back. If he and Llorente are unavailable, Bielsa could promote youngster Charlie Cresswell to the Leeds United lineup.
Cresswell only played 45 minutes in Leeds U23’s game on Sunday, which could suggest that he will be in the senior squad for the EFL Cup.
Predicted Leeds United Lineup vs Fulham | EFL Cup
Junior Firpo and Stuart Dallas should play at left-back and right-back, respectively. Another youngster, Liam McCarron, could be an option off the bench at left-back.
Midfield
Kalvin Phillips should start in the defensive midfield role, while Tyler Roberts could play in the attacking midfield role.
Adam Forshaw was not part of the squad that played against Newcastle United, so there’s some doubt about his availability for Tuesday’s game. If he is not fit, one of Jamie Shackleton or Mateusz Klich could play in midfield.
Attack
Rodrigo could replace Patrick Bamford upfront, while youngster Joe Gelhardt, who scored a brace in the U23 game, could be given some game time from the bench.
Daniel James should make the Leeds United lineup and feature on the left, while 19-year-old Crysencio Summerville – who replaced Raphinha on Friday night – will likely start on the right.
