Leeds United travel to Chelsea in the third round of the EFL Cup tomorrow night, with Daniel Farke expected to name a reasonably strong side.

United consolidating Premier League status is objective number one this season. But, if we can muster up a cup run or two alongside it, that would be ideal.

So, a trip to Stamford Bridge represents a big ask for Daniel Farke, but a chance to be fearless and chase what would be a major scalp.

Chelsea v Leeds United: Injury news confirmed with Dan James boost

Outside of Joe Rodon’s established absence, there wasn’t a great deal to report from Farke’s pre-match injury update.

Dan James was an unused sub at Brighton due to issues with his back and hamstring. And, it’s revealed by Farke that his scan has come back positive, giving him a good chance of featuring on Wednesday evening.

Farke also noted his likelihood to make some changes alongside what will overall be a reasonably strong team in the capital.

Here, I predict the Leeds lineup Farke could name as we face Chelsea in the EFL Cup…

Goalkeeper: Michael Zetterer

In goal, there’s method behind picking either ‘keeper, and Farke said as much in his presser.

However, we’ve signed a backup ‘keeper with plenty of experience, and need to get him playing really wherever possible.

James Trafford has been very good, but I do want to see what Michael Zetterer can offer us between the sticks.

Defence: James Justin, Nico Elvedi, Tarik Muharemovic

In defence, the absence of much defensive depth with Rodon out means I don’t think we can really make many changes while still taking this game totally seriously.

So, I’m expecting the same trio that started at Brighton in James Justin, Nico Elvedi and Tarik Muharemovic.

All three demonstrated their quality and will feel gutted they didn’t come away with a clean sheet for their efforts.

Elvedi in particular is really impressing me already. It’s currently his spot to lose over Rodon and Jaka Bijol, and he’ll want to continue that here.

Midfield: Jayden Bogle, Sean Longstaff, Ethan Ampadu, Melvin Bard

At wing-back, I would like to see Melvin Bard make his debut, and Farke’s comments indicate he’d be happy to introduce him.

The Leeds boss talked of Bard’s experience despite being only 25, playing a lot of football in his career in France and that stands him in good stead for a debut here. Jayden Bogle, fresh from his goal at the AMEX, goes out on the right – but there’s scope for James to get the nod if he’s fit.

In midfield, I would love to start Ao Tanaka again after another impressive showing, but away to Chelsea, we might need to be street-wise, so I’m expecting a pivot of Ethan Ampadu and Sean Longstaff.

Longstaff was hard done by in the last round. He had a really poor game, but only because Farke had played him in a Brenden Aaronson-esque role off the striker, which did not suit him at all.

Attack: Harry Wilson, Lukas Nmecha, Jean-Matteo Bahoya

How nice is it to have options in the wide areas?

To be able to relieve Noah Okafor of playing every minute humanly possible without injuring him is crucial. And, it opens the door for Jean-Matteo Bahoya to hopefully make his debut.

He’s raw and needs time to adjust to the league, but this is a great opportunity for him.

Elsewhere, I want to see Harry Wilson start just to keep getting into a rhythm in a Leeds shirt. He’s not found that yet and I still back him to in time. That said, if he wants a guaranteed starting spot, he needs to show it soon.

Up front, Lukas Nmecha gets his chance to show that he’s got what it takes to compete with Dominic Calvert-Lewin for a starting spot.

Full Leeds United predicted XI to face Chelsea:

Zetterer; Justin, Elvedi, Muharemovic; Bogle, Longstaff, Ampadu, Bard; Wilson, Nmecha, Bahoya.

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