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Leeds predicted XI vs Fulham: McCarron, Cresswell and Forshaw start

Jordan Harris

Mon 20 September 2021 21:15, UK

Leeds United return to Carabao Cup action on Tuesday as they travel to Craven Cottage to face Fulham.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side’s only victory so far this term came in the previous round of this competition. But Marco Silva’s men are set to present tougher opposition for the Whites.

Nevertheless, Bielsa is surely going to rest a number of key players for the tie amid a number of injury issues for Leeds.

The Whites had no Diego Llorente, Robin Koch, Pascal Struijk or Jack Harrison for Friday’s trip to Newcastle. Meanwhile, Luke Ayling and Raphinha both came off with knocks at St James’ Park.

There will be some familiar faces in the side, however. Liam Cooper keeps his place due to the lack of options at centre-back.

Meanwhile, Illan Meslier, Mateusz Klich and Dan James may all start. And Rodrigo may perhaps push forward into the striker role after his display on Tyneside.

There are promotions for Jamie Shackleton, Charlie Cresswell, Liam McCarron, Crysencio Summerville and Tyler Roberts. The quintet all started on the bench against the Magpies.

The one name promoted from outside the 20 who took on Newcastle is Adam Forshaw.

It may be a gamble to start the midfielder. But he did feature in the previous round. And some believe that his cameo in the under-23s’ win on Sunday over Liverpool was a sign that he may feature.

Gelhardt misses out as Leeds prepare for Carabao Cup tie

Obviously, that would mean Joe Gelhardt misses out. The young forward was outrageously good against the Reds. And the fans have been imploring Bielsa to give him a chance.

But with Rodrigo and Roberts potentially starting, Gelhardt may have to wait a little longer for that debut. It may well come later in the tie.

With that in mind, here is the predicted lineup in full…