Leeds United are flying in the Premier League, but on Wednesday they have a Yorkshire derby to focus on in the Carabao Cup against Barnsley.
The Whites take on the Tykes in midweek, and it’s fair to say that Leeds come into this game as heavy favourites against League One opposition.
As with many Premier League clubs, Leeds may not be overly focused on this second-round clash, and with a tough game against Brighton on the horizon at the weekend, Jesse Marsch may well decide to rotate his squad here.
With that in mind, we’ve had a go at predicting the Yorkshire club’s starting XI for this one.
We think that Marsch will make wholesale changes from the team that beat Chelsea 3-0 at the weekend.
Leeds should be able to get past Barnsley with a so-called ‘B’ team, and that’s exactly what we expect to see here.
Illan Meslier retains his place between the sticks, but the back four is a new-look defence.
Pascal Struijk moves back into midfield from left-back as Leo Hjelde comes in to play at full-back, while Liam Cooper returns from injury after Marsch’s positive update last week.
Cody Drameh starts at right-back as a young option, while there is a bit more experience in the middle of the park as Adam Forshaw and Mateusz Klich start in the heart of the midfield.
Luis Sinisterra makes his full debut on the wing, while Crysencio Summerville starts out on the right.
Sam Greenwood and Joe Gelhardt are reunited here as Leeds’ two most advanced attacking options after striking up a fantastic partnership in the U23s over the past few years.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
