Marcelo Bielsa is yet to be beaten as a Leeds United manager, and he would like to continue that run in the Carabao Cup as well when they take on Preston North End in a midweek clash. The tie against joint leaders Middlesbrough looms large over the weekend, and we can see some major changes made by the Argentine manager for this encounter against the side who are languishing at the 20th spot in the Championship.
Bielsa has made minimal changes so far to his sides, and the likes of Luke Ayling, Kalvin Phillips and Samuel Saiz have started all the six games so far. Maybe it is time for them to be given a much-needed breather before they take on the Teessiders in an all-important clash.
Team News
Adam Forshaw and Stuart Dallas remain long terms absentees. Captain Liam Cooper is yet to recover from his muscle problem and would most likely miss this cup tie. Apart from that, Bielsa will have all his players at his disposal.
Leeds United Predicted Lineup Vs Preston North End
Formation (4-1-4-1)
Defence
Chelsea loanee Jamaal Blackman is likely to be given a go in this cup tie and regular custodian Bailey Peacock Farrell is going to be given a rest. Pontus Jansson has just made it into the playing eleven after fitness concerns, and Bielsa would like to hand more minutes under his belt before he takes on Middlesbrough. So he should be keeping his place. Young Conor Shaughnessy could be given his first start of the season in the centre back role. Out wide, Jamie Shackleton should start after his impressive performance against Swansea City earlier. Down the left, Barry Douglas could be rested to make way for young Tom Pearce.
Midfield
Lewis Baker is likely to start in the Kalvin Phillips role in midfield. Mateusz Klich and Samuel Saiz have done a lot of work in the previous games, and anybody among them could be rested for this game. We are going in with Saiz and that could give young Tyler Roberts a chance to showcase his talent after his only outing was against Bolton Wanderers in the first round of the League Cup. On the right, Jack Harrison has done well in limited opportunities and he will be expected to start in this tie. Macedonian midfielder Ezgjan Alioski should start down the left.
Forward
Kemar Roofe has shown tremendous form this season and that has kept marquee signing Patrick Bamford on the bench in the league encounters. However, in this cup tie and with an important fixture coming up against Middlesbrough, Roofe would be rested and that in turn will give Bamford a chance to start in the playing eleven.
