Leeds face Liverpool in trip down memory lane

Leeds United will take a trip down memory lane when the fallen giants face Liverpool in the League Cup third round on Tuesday.

For four decades, Leeds and Liverpool fixtures were seen as a summit meeting of two of the English game’s super-powers.

When Leeds were enjoying their most successful era under legendary boss Don Revie they pipped Liverpool to the title in 1969 and 1974, while the Reds – then led by Bill Shankly – got the better of the Yorkshire club in 1966 and 1973.

It was an enduring rivalry that lasted into the 21st century as the clubs battled again, this time to emerge as the main rivals to Manchester United.

But the days of crunch clashes between the teams have become a distant memory when Leeds were relegated from the Premier League in 2004 after 14 years in the top-flight.

Their descent didn’t end there and Leeds now languish in League One – English football’s third tier – while Liverpool remain one of Europe’s greatest names.

But for 90 minutes on Tuesday, Leeds, who went top of League One with a 4-1 win over Gillingham on Saturday – have a chance to relive the glory days and show they are on the up again.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to try and be a giant killer, to put on a performance against one of the top teams in Europe,” Leeds boss Simon Grayson said.

“It’s a great tie. It’s a no-lose situation for us really because we’ll be up against a team who everybody expects to win.

“A full house here on Tuesday is going to be a great feeling for the players and everybody connected with the club.”

However, Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is likely to rest the likes of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard at Elland Road in a competition that comes well down his list of priorities.

Elsewhere in the third round, Arsene Wenger will unveil Arsenal’s latest crop of young guns when his side host Championship leaders West Bromwich Albion.

fWenger has traditionally used the League Cup as a chance to blood the young players he believes have the best chance to progress into his first team.

The likes of Cesc Fabregas, Gael Clichy and Nicklas Bendtner cut their teeth in the competition and Jack Wilshere, Carlos Vela and Kieran Gibbs will get a chance to shine on Tuesday.

Also on Tuesday, Bolton host West Ham and Birmingham travel to Sunderland in all-Premier League ties.

On Wednesday holders Manchester United entertain Wolverhampton and Chelsea face west London neighbours QPR.