Leeds United return to action on Wednesday when they meet Wolves in the Carabao Cup for their penultimate game before the World Cup – and here is our predicted lineup.
The Whites have won their last two in dramatic fashion. And it would be huge for Jesse Marsch’s men if they could end this month with a positive result against Tottenham.
The tie with Wolves sees Marsch’s men return to the site of one of their best moments during his tenure. The 4-3 victory at Molineux last season was pivotal in helping Leeds stay in the Premier League.
Marsch may have mixed feelings about Wednesday. A Carabao Cup run is down the list of priorities while our Premier League status does appear precarious. But carrying on the momentum from two amazing victories on the spin will also be on Marsch’s mind.
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Thankfully, Leeds have a chance to pick a strong lineup while also making changes. And with that in mind, here is our attempt at predicting how the Whites may line up this week…
GK: Illan Meslier
Meslier started the previous round. And he has been brilliant this season. He would also probably love an additional opportunity to stake a late claim for a World Cup spot.
RB: Luke Ayling
Rasmus Kristensen did not have the best time last time out. So this could be a good opportunity for Ayling to put a bit of pressure on the Dane. Cody Drameh may be in contention after coming off after 60 minutes for the under-21s.
CB: Diego Llorente
Llorente has fallen down the pecking order, so it seems an obvious decision to use him against Wolves to help give Liam Cooper and Pascal Struijk a rest.
CB: Robin Koch
Koch has enjoyed a lengthy run in the side, so he will not complain about keeping his place against Wolves.
LB: Junior Firpo
Firpo really needs to make the most of the opportunities he receives with Pascal Struijk establishing himself as first-choice.
CM: Mateusz Klich
Wrap Tyler Adams up in cotton wool immediately!
CM: Marc Roca
Roca came off early on in the second-half on Saturday. So the Spaniard starting again on Wednesday is not too risky.
W: Willy Gnonto
Gnonto has made a huge impact in his two substitute appearances. Now is the time to see what he can do from the start.
AM: Sam Greenwood
Like Gnonto, Greenwood has earned the right to start after Saturday. He scored a ‘phenomenal‘ goal to spark that comeback. Perhaps the number 10 position is not his best role in Marsch’s eyes. But he can certainly do a job there.
W: Jack Harrison
Harrison needs to recapture some form and he will be raring to go after coming off after 45 minutes at the weekend.
ST: Joe Gelhardt
With Patrick Bamford out at the weekend and Rodrigo absolutely vital at the moment, Gelhardt could get a huge chance to start again. He has been so unlucky to not play more this season. Hopefully he proves that on Wednesday.