Prediction: Leeds vs Middlesbrough

Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves

Best Odds: 2/3

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Two camps who will turn their attention to EFL Cup action on Wednesday night, Leeds will welcome Middlesbrough to Elland Road.

Leeds

Starting with the hosts, suffering major play-off heartbreak at Wembley back on May 26th as they fell to a 1-0 loss at the hands of Southampton in north London, Leeds have plenty of pressure on their shoulders this time around. Falling short in their bid to book an immediate Premier League return, Daniel Farke’s men failed to make an early statement over the weekend. Despite being handed what was a golden opportunity at Elland Road, the Lilywhites had to settle for an action-packed 3-3 stalemate against Championship returners Portsmouth. While Leeds might have enjoyed an impressive summer flurry, Tuesday’s hosts are seeking some much-needed defensive stability. In fact, continuing on from last season, Farke’s squad have recorded just a trio of clean sheets from any of their previous 13 appearances against Championship opposition.

Team News

With Farke expected to make a handful of changes on Tuesday night, summer recruit Joe Rothwell could make his Leeds debut at Elland Road. Despite making a cameo appearance of the bench against Portsmouth over the weekend, former England international Patrick Bamford is not expected to feature from the start.

Coming off the bench and bagging a dramatic last-gasp equaliser on Saturday lunchtime, USA international Brenden Aaronson could feature from the start here. Former Newcastle goalkeeper Karl Darlow should replace Illan Meslier between the sticks.

Middlesbrough

As for the visitors, although Middlesbrough might have been frustrated last season as they eventually fell short in the play-off chase, Michael Carrick’s men are pencilled in as a real top-six contender this time around. Opening the new campaign with a deserved 1-0 victory at home against Swansea on Saturday afternoon, the former Manchester United midfielder will be relishing a real challenge at Elland Road on Tuesday night. Appearing to have only continued from where they left off back in May, Boro have rightfully received a string of plaudits from across the Championship. In fact, continuing on from last season, Carrick’s play-off chasers have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous 13 showdowns against second-tier opposition – a purple patch that stems all the way back to March 2nd.

Team News

Both still dealing with respective long-term injury issues continuing on from last season, the duo of Tommy Smith and former Brentford star Marcus Forss will mot travel to Elland Road on Wednesday night. Arriving from Premier League giants Manchester City this summer, England U20 international Micah Hamilton will make his Boro debut here.

Making his move to Middlesbrough a permanent one this summer, former Leeds defender Luke Ayling will make a Yorkshire return in midweek. Making 21 Championship appearances last season, academy graduate Joshua Coburn should feature from the start.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Leeds and Middlesbrough last met back on April 22nd, Farke’s side collected an action-packed 4-3 victory at the Riverside.
• In fact, Leeds have won all of their previous four showdowns against Middlesbrough by an aggregate score of 12-5.
• Continuing on from last season, Leeds have recorded just three clean sheets from any of their previous 13 meetings against Championship opposition.
• Middlesbrough have have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous 13 showdowns against Championship opposition – a purple patch that stems all the way back to March 2nd.
• The two meetings between Leeds and Middlesbrough last season produced 12 goals.

Conclusion

Two sides who will be looking to extend on their respective EFL Cup adventures on Wednesday night, we look set for a heavyweight affair from Elland Road. While Leeds might have won all of their previous four showdowns against Middlesbrough by an aggregate score of 16-5, Carrick’s squad will be relishing a trip to Yorkshire here. In a contest that tends to produce fireworks, we are expecting an enjoyable showdowns in midweek.

Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves

Best Odds: 2/3

Bookmaker: Olympusbet