Leeds United will travel to Moor Lane to take on League Two outfit Salford City in the Carabao Cup tie. The Whites will be going in this game on the back of a disappointing draw against Nottingham Forest where they were clearly the better team.
This clash will present Bielsa with a chance to try his new signings, and we can expect some wholesale changes in the squad. Given that Salford are a fourth-tier outfit, the Whites will go in as the absolute favourites for this tie. Graham Alexander’s side are meanwhile making their debut in this competition after achieving promotion to the Football League.
Team News: Luke Ayling and Tyler Roberts are going to be the major absentees for Bielsa. Apart from that, he should have a fully fit squad at his disposal.
Leeds United Predicted Lineup Vs Salford City
Formation (4-1-4-1)
Defence
Summer signing Illan Meslier should be given a chance ahead of Kiko Casilla in goal for this cup tie. At the back, Gaetano Berardi can be given minutes ahead of captain Liam Cooper. Young defender Ben White has impressed, and he will probably continue in defence.
Robbe Gotts could be given the go-ahead in place of Stuart Dallas in the right-back position. Ezgjan Alioski who featured last season heavily will probably get a chance as a left-back in place of Barry Douglas.
Midfield
Adam Forshaw might drop in deep for this game even though he has impressed playing in an advanced role this season. Kalvin Phillips is one of the most important players in the squad, and he is likely to be rested. Jamie Shackleton is expected to play the Klich role in this tie. The youngster impressed last season playing as a midfielder. Mateusz Bogusz is likely to partner him in central areas, and the Polish midfielder could be used in an attacking role down the middle.
Helder Costa has made just cameos so far in the last two games, and he is likely to make his full debut in this cup tie down the right flank. Jack Clarke hasn’t played a minute so far, and that has been slightly surprising. He can get a chance to showcase his worth down the left flank from the start in this clash.
Attack
Young Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah was a very late addition to the squad, but this could be the perfect game to get him used to the system. With Roberts out, the Arsenal man should be starting ahead of Bamford in this game.
