Chris Wood Out, Ekuban In – Predicted 4-2-3-1 Leeds United Lineup To Face Port Vale

Predicted Leeds United Lineup To Face Port Vale In EFL Cup

After kicking off their EFL Championship campaign with a win, Leeds United will be hoping to start their EFL Cup journey on a similar note too.  

The Whites will take on League Two outfit Port Vale at the Elland Road on Wednesday night, in the second round of the EFL Cup. They come into the game on the back of a hard-fought 3-2 win against Championship newbies Bolton Wanderers in the season’s curtain-raiser and manager Thomas Christiansen will be keen to see his team carry that momentum forward against the lower league opponents.

Team News

Defender Pontus Jansson will serve the second of his two-match ban in this game and will not be available for selection. Defenders Gaetano Berardi and Matthew Pennington are also unlikely to feature, after being taken out injured in the league game against Bolton.

Here’s how Leeds could line up against Port Vale at home:

Manager: Thomas Christiansen

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Rob Green (GK)

The veteran shot-stopper was benched for the league game in favour of new signing Felix Wiedwald. Christiansen could look to use him for the cup games.  

Luke Ayling (RB)

One of the most important members of the team, Ayling makes important contribution at both ends of the pitch and needs to start.

Conor Shaughnessy (CB)

The youngster did not have the greatest of the debuts over the weekend, but will look to impress the boss, in the absence of Jansson and Pennington.

Liam Cooper (CB)

The captain will have to shoulder the bulk of responsibilities at the back again and help Shaughnessy settle down more easily.

Vurnon Anita (LB)

With Berardi out injured, Anita, who replaced him against Bolton, is likely to start the game, despite Leeds bringing in Cameron Borthwick-Jackson on loan from Manchester United. 

Kalvin Phillips (CM)

The midfielder was the hero for the Whites over the weekend, scoring a double against Bolton. Unlikely that he will be benched after such a performance, despite it being a cup tie. 

Ronaldo Vieira (CM)

The youngster was a vital part of the team under Garry Monk last season, but has found himself a bit on the fringes under the new boss. Would want to make an impression in the cup game.

Hadi Sacko (RW)

Came on late in the game over the weekend and did not have a lot of time to make any impact. May get a go from the kick-off here. Needs to prove himself and convince the manager that he should be a regular.

Samu Saiz (CAM)

The Spaniard looks like a great player and enlivens the team when on the pitch. Should be given a start ahead of Pablo Hernandez. 

Stuart Dallas (LW)

Did not have the best of the campaigns last time around, but has very much been involved in the pre-season. May get the nod on the left flank.  

Caleb Ekuban (ST)

Chris Wood got off to a goalscoring start against Bolton last week and Christiansen would want his other striker to get off the blocks quickly as well, and hence we could see Ekuban being given a start.

Here’s how Leeds may take the pitch: