FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Premier League - Leeds United v Leicester City - Elland Road, Leeds, Britain - April 25, 2023 General view of a corner flag inside the stadium before the match REUTERS/Phil Noble/File Photo
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has named his starting line-up for the Carabao Cup first-round tie with Middlesbrough at Elland Road.
The Whites prepare for an intriguing cup clash with Michael Carrick’s Boro in West Yorkshire, with one of the big fish at this stage of the competition having to be eliminated at the first hurdle.
Farke was expected to drop in some changes somewhat after the weekend’s rollercoaster 3-3 draw with Portsmouth, with the line-up being confirmed by the club’s official X account [14 August].
Farke makes eight Leeds United changes
As expected, Farke has wrung the changes and rotated his side as Carrick’s men visit Elland Road.
Captain Ethan Ampadu along with Joe Rodon and Junior Firpo are the only trio to keep their place as other members of a small squad are given their starting bows in 2024-25.
Karl Darlow replaces Illan Meslier in goal, with Max Wober and Saturday’s goalscorer Brenden Aaronson coming into the XI. The attacking midfielder salvaged a point but also missed a glorious chance after that to steal all three points.
Joel Piroe – whose competition with Mateo Joseph has been a topic of discussion – will start with Joe Gelhardt, whilst Patrick Bamford heads up the attack.
Joe Rothwell makes his first start for the club having made his debut as a substitute against Pompey on Saturday, whilst Sam Byram returns to the defence.
A strong bench can be called upon if the task gets tough, with a clutch of Farke’s starters from the weekend occupying the dugout.
