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Kristoffer Klaesson tipped for first Leeds United start v Wolves as Phil Hay shares team news reveal
The Athletic’s Phil Hay expects a handful of changes when Leeds United face Wolves in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.
After back-to-back- Premier League wins, Leeds United now turn their attention to the EFL Cup where they face a trip to Molineux.
Jesse Marsch is expected to make a number of changes to the side that secured a 4-3 win over Bournemouth last weekend. Hay has predicted a rest for Illan Meslier, with 21-year-old Kristoffer Klaesson taking his place between the sticks.
During his discussion about the match on The Athletic, Hay said: “It’s unlikely that it’ll be too far off a completely different XI to the side which started against Bournemouth and that would mean potentially plenty of youngsters involved – people like Klaesson, Gelhardt, Joseph, Perkins etc.
“I think a lot of us are interested to see more of them so it could be quite enlightening at Molineux.”
Klaesson is yet to start for the Whites after signing under Marcelo Bielsa in 2021 for £1million [Daily Mail]. His only appearance came back in March – also against Wolves – when he replaced Meslier after the Frenchman suffered an injury.
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In the spotlight
For many of Leeds’ fringe players, Wednesday’s match provides them with a chance to give Marsch some selection headaches.
The American seems to have found his strongest XI at Elland Road this season but will use cup matches to experiment and see how some younger players respond to being handed a start.
As predicted by Hay, Klaesson is definitely a player that will have his fingers crossed for a start, and the Norwegian shot-stopper deserves a chance to shine.
Meslier has been brilliant for Leeds since signing permanently in 2020, and at just 22 years old it’s hard for Marsch to find opportunities for others in the squad.
Wednesday is an obvious opportunity though, and he’ll be keeping a keen eye on Klaesson’s performance among the other youngsters likely to take to the field.
It’ll be hard for him to challenge Meslier for the No.1 spot, but there’s no reason he can’t give it a good go.
In other Leeds United news, Sky Sports pundit says Leeds United may agree a deal to sign George Hall