Leeds will host Shrewsbury in the first round of the EFL Cup at Elland Road. At the weekend, both teams made their league debuts, with the home team entertaining Cardiff City on their return to the Championship and the visitors winning their season opener in League One against Cheltenham Town.
Preview (Leeds vs Shrewsbury)
Leeds was demoted from the Premier League last year. They underwent a lot of change at Elland Road heading into the 2023–24 season. The Whites did not do any better in the EFL Cup that season. They defeated third-tier Barnsley in the second round. The following round they lost 1-0 against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the third-round elimination game. Allardyce, who had only taken over at Elland Road in May, would leave.
His tenure began in the preseason, during which Leeds lost to Manchester United and Monaco. They beat Nottingham Forest and Hearts. Before kicking off their Championship season at home against Cardiff City, they were down 2-0 at halftime after Josh Bowler and Ike Ugbo scored goals for the guests. Early in the second half, Liam Cooper gave the Whites the lead. They would eventually force a share of the spoils thanks to Crysencio Summerville’s dramatic equalizer. Now, Farke’s team is aiming to build on that success with a cup victory on Wednesday. It will be followed by a trip to Birmingham City at the weekend.
The game was scoreless at the break. The hosts promptly took the lead in the second half thanks to a goal from Ryan Bowman. They held on to win 1-0 and earn all three points. Shrewsbury will now want to make it two wins from two competitive games this year on the strength of that promising start to their new era and take a significant defeat in the EFL Cup at Elland Road.
Team News
Following their weekend curtain-raiser, Daniel Farke should rotate his Leeds United team on Tuesday in an effort to give players who were not selected for the starting lineup a chance. However, they continue to be without attackers Patrick Bamford and Georginio Rutter, winger Jack Harrison, and midfielder Tyler Adams due to ongoing injuries. Charlie Cresswell will undoubtedly be given a chance to play defense right away in his place. Sam Byram may start at right-back.
After recently joining from Waterford, Barnsley, and Luton Town, respectively, Tunmise Sobowale, Jason Sraha, and Elliot Thorpe were all used as substitutes in that game.. However, because there are fewer options up front, Ryan Bowman and Daniel Udoh, who started his term with the curtain-raiser, could once again lead the line. Leeds should have too much for their third-tier opponents on Wednesday. Even with the planned squad rotation, and will hope to earn Farke’s first competitive victory.
Leeds 2 – 0 Shrewsbury
For more football previews, click here
