Noah Okafor starts in nine changes – Leeds predicted XI vs Sheffield Wednesday
Daniel Farke could hand Noah Okafor his first Leeds United start against Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday.
Okafor signed for the Elland Road outfit in a £17million move from AC Milan and appeared off the bench in Leeds’ 5-0 loss to Arsenal.
The Whites and Okafor will be keen to get back to winning ways against their local rivals in the Carabao Cup and build momentum ahead of a tough season.
Farke will be without Ethan Ampadu, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin remains a fitness doubt for the derby clash at Hillsborough.
Daniel Farke to make nine changes in Leeds vs Sheffield Wednesday
Lucas Perri endured a miserable afternoon against the Gunners, and he is expected to get the night off against the Owls.
Karl Darlow is predicted to replace the Brazilian between the sticks for the cup tie as Farke might make up to nine changes.
Sam Byram might get the nod at right-back as Farke could rest Jayden Bogle due to a lack of depth at full-back, and previous injury worries.
Gabriel Gudmundsson has starred for Leeds since his £10m move from Lille, and he is predicted to start on the left side of defence.
- Gudmundsson made four clearances against Arsenal
- Recorded one interception and one recovery against the Gunners
- Struggled with ground duels, though, winning just three of 10 for a 30 per cent success rate
New additions Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw have not experienced Premier League football yet and are expected to be handed their first taste of the English game against Wednesday.
Ilia Gruev is predicted to anchor the midfield, as he builds his way to full match fitness after having to replace the injured Ampadu.
Sean Longstaff has made two cameo appearances since signing for the Whites and might be given his first start for the cup contest, as he looks to prove himself to come in against Newcastle.
Brenden Aaronson is expected to be recalled to the starting line-up after he featured for a total of 49 minutes in the opening two league games.
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Noah Okafor set for first Leeds start
Okafor made his debut at the Emirates Stadium in a 25-minute showing, but he is predicted to earn his first start against the crisis-ridden Championship outfit.
He is expected to be joined by Jack Harrison on the other flank, with Lukas Nmecha potentially completing the heavily rotated line-up.
Farke’s focus will be on the league, and it makes sense to give most of his starters a rest against a struggling second-tier side.
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