Leeds United’s Carabao Cup campaign continues on Wednesday night when they head to Chelsea in the third round. The Whites beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 last month to secure themselves a trip to Stamford Bridge and remain unbeaten in four games.
Manager Daniel Farke will be without the injured Joe Rodon while there is a ‘little question mark’ hanging over Dan James. There could also be some rotation to the line-up given the quick turnaround from last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Brighton.
Farke could also hand out debuts to a maximum of three summer arrivals. And with all that in mind, the YEP has attempted to predict how his Leeds side could line up at Chelsea.
7. CM: Ethan Ampadu
The skipper is one of maybe three or four squad members that feel undroppable in any competition. Sets the standard and gels things together between regular starters and rotation options. Always loves a physical battle against the club who sold him to Leeds back in 2023. | Getty Images
8. CM: Sean Longstaff
In for Anton Stach just like the previous round at Forest, albeit Longstaff will hope for a better individual performance. The midfielder has only played nine minutes in the Premier League so needs to take his chance in the cup when it comes around. | Getty Images
9. LWB: Melvin Bard
Debut number two at Stamford Bridge, with deadline day loan arrival Bard coming in for Gabi Gudmundsson, who played 90 minutes on his return from a muscle injury on Saturday.
10. RW: Harry Wilson
The summer signing has started on the bench in Leeds' last two games is yet to find his groove. Looked sharp in moments though, and taking up plenty of good positions. A goal to open his Whites account would do nicely. | Getty Images
11. LW: Brenden Aaronson
Noah Okafor could be rested given he played 60-odd minutes at Brighton, but his natural cover option Jean-Matteo Bahoya is yet to play at all this season for Leeds or previous club OGC Nice. With Daniel James complaining of a back issue it could be best to urge caution and start Aaronson on that side. | Getty Images
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12. ST: Lukas Nmecha
Dominic Calvert-Lewin another of those who should be rested at every opportunity, with Nmecha leading the line in his place. He'll ask a lot of the questions of the Chelsea defence with his rather unique style. | Getty Images