Leeds United 3-0 Crewe Alexandra - recap: Marcelo Bielsa post-match reaction after EFL Cup victory

Tyler Roberts in action against Crewe at Elland Road. Pic: Bruce Rollinson

Marcelo Bielsa' s side face lower league opposition as they enter the EFL Cup tonight.

Bielsa has often used the domestic cup competitions to hand minutes to those in his squad who need them in previous years, whether young or old.

That tactic, though, has seen Leeds exit the tournament to Hull City, Stoke City and Preston North End at this very stage of the competition under the Argentine's watch.

United will be hoping to avoid an upset against League One opposition tonight. Follow all the latest live throughout the evening on our live blog:

Leeds United v Crewe - LIVE BLOG

Key Events

Leeds host Crewe in Carabao Cup
Whites enter second round of 21/22 competition
United have exited this stage under Bielsa on three occasions
Kick-off at Elland Road is at 7.45pm
FT - Leeds United 3-0 Crewe Alexandra

Tue, 24 Aug, 2021, 18:55 BST

Leeds name strong line-up

Well then... Marcelo Bielsa isn’t messing around with that line-up this evening.

Rodrigo leads the line for the Whites while Jack Harrison and Helder Costa are the two wide men.

Tyler Roberts plays in behind and there’s a first start for Adam Forshaw in nearly two years - which is amazing news.

Kalvin Phillips takes up his usual spot while Junior Firpo, Pascal Struijk and the returning Diego Llorente start.

Illan Meslier is the goalkeeper chosen between the sticks.

Tue, 24 Aug, 2021, 19:06 BST

Here’s the full team news

Tue, 24 Aug, 2021, 19:10 BST

Kalvin Phillips is captain this evening

According to the official teamsheet, the Yorkshire Pirlo will take the armband this evening for the Whites.

Tue, 24 Aug, 2021, 19:20 BST

Bielsa ahead of kick-off

“Tonight we have the opportunity to earn our first win of the season against Crewe Alexandra,” said Bielsa in Tuesday evening’s pre-match programme.

“It’s important to treat every competition and opponent with the utmost respect and we ultimately want to win the game and progress to the next round.

“We are under no illusions that tonight’s game could be a tricky fixture and it is important we play to our full potential as we do not want to get knocked out of the competition.”

Tue, 24 Aug, 2021, 19:21 BST

Cooper ahead of tonight’s clash

“As you know, I love nothing more than Elland Road at full capacity under the floodlights,” said Cooper in the matchday programme.

“To have sold out for tonight’s match is testament to you all.

“Down the years, we know games like tonight’s Crewe can be a real banana skin.

“We want to have a good run in the cup this season and go deep in the competition.

“Crewe will be up for it and I’m sure they will enjoy the occasion.

“For us, we need no motivation with you all behind us and we will be doing everything to progress to the next round.”

Tue, 24 Aug, 2021, 19:34 BST

Not long until kick-off

Elland Road is filling up nicely. It’s a sold out crowd tonight in LS11 - we’ll have live updates throughout the game this evening right here so stay tuned.

Tue, 24 Aug, 2021, 19:39 BST

Smoke bomb in the away end

Anticipation building at Elland Road. The away fans are trying to make some noise ahead of kick-off - a rogue smoke bomb fills the air.

We’re just awaiting the teams now...

Tue, 24 Aug, 2021, 19:44 BST

Here come the teams

A sold out Elland Road blasts out Marching On Together as the teams emerge from the tunnel. Quite a night for these visiting Crewe players. Kick-off next.

Tue, 24 Aug, 2021, 19:46 BST

KICK-OFF

1. Both teams take the knee which is met by applause. And we’re underway at Elland Road... updates to follow.

Tue, 24 Aug, 2021, 19:48 BST

Crewe corner

2. A bright start from the visitors. Knight links up well with Thomas. The latter plays the former back into the box and Llorente is across to slide in to block the low ball. Corner.