Beren Cross
Rotation opportunities come hand in hand with a competition like the EFL Cup and present an ideal chance for lesser-seen faces to shine in white. Leeds United’s trip to Molineux coincides with a largely fit squad rammed with alternatives to the current Premier League starters.
Given Kristoffer Klaesson played on Monday with the under-21s, I would be tempted to give Joel Robles some minutes at Wolverhampton Wanderers. However, experience is everything to a young goalkeeper like Illan Meslier, so stick another game onto his milometer.
Luke Ayling would take my armband and get some minutes while Rasmus Kristensen recharges. Junior Firpo is still trying to find some consistent pitch time in order to prove he is the right man at left-back for Leeds, so he needs to come in and tick over on Wednesday night too.
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Leo Hjelde did not play for the under-21s on Monday. Assuming he remains fit enough to play after his return from an appendix issue, he would come in for captain Liam Cooper, who has his own injury record to consider.
Diego Llorente is an obvious recall too, with Robin Koch due some time on the sidelines. Midfield is where it gets a little more interesting. Tyler Adams missed the Fulham match, so he will not feel too overcooked coming into the Wolves match.
However, with Tottenham Hotspur a bigger priority and the World Cup on the horizon, it seems fair to put Adams on the bench in the Midlands. There is also a huge amount of curiosity in seeing Darko Gyabi in the first team.
It could be a little too inexperienced, but Gyabi with Sam Greenwood in the centre is where I would go. Crysencio Summerville is one of only two survivors from Saturday in my side.
The Dutch winger’s condition will not be in the red zone after limited match time this season, while the momentum he has recently built up could be well served going up against a rotated Wolves line-up. Wilfried Gnonto is another obvious change after his recent heroics.
Mateusz Klich has been patiently waiting for match time while the youngsters have all of the fun. The Pole starts for me through the centre and plays behind Joe Gelhardt, who has only been on the pitch for more than 16 minutes once since September 3, and that was with the under-21s.
Beren’s XI: Meslier; Ayling, Llorente, Hjelde, Firpo; Gyabi, Greenwood; Summerville, Klich, Gnonto; Gelhardt.
Will Jackson
I’m all for making changes and handing out one or two debuts on Wednesday night, but Leeds should still be targeting Carabao Cup progression. Therefore while my team includes seven changes, I would still fancy it to seal a spot in the fourth round of the competition.
It could be the perfect night to give Illan Meslier a well-earned rest and bring Joel Robles in for a United bow. The Spanish keeper showcased his experience and ability for the under-21s last month and I’d like to see him have a run out at first-team level, too.
Luke Ayling needs minutes and with Rasmus Kristensen having the World Cup to think about, I’d throw the veteran into the right-back spot. I’d also look to give Cody Drameh, who played 60 minutes on Monday for the under-21s, some time off the bench.
A defensive line completed by Diego Llorente, Liam Cooper and Pascal Struijk would give the Whites a strong base at Molineux, with more changes to come further up the field. Sam Greenwood deserves a start after his contribution off the bench on Saturday, while Marc Roca looked in need of a rest.
Tyler Adams gets the nod, for me, but I’d be looking to replace him with Darko Gyabi relatively early in the second half. I’ve been incredibly impressed with Gyabi this season with the under-21s and a debut would be a fitting reward for his hard work.
Wilfried Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville will still be feeling relatively fresh and I’d like to see them get more reps in the side, while Mateusz Klich will be desperate for just his second senior start of the season, having started and scored twice in the second round clash with Barnsley. Wednesday’s game also provides an ideal opportunity for Joe Gelhardt.
It’s fair to say the youngster has struggled for traction this season and he hasn’t secured enough senior minutes to build up form and consistency. I’d carry some more senior names on the bench, but Mateo Joseph and Sonny Perkins are two names I’d like to see included. The pair have bagged 20 goals between them for the under-21s this season and they deserve rewarding.
Will’s XI: Robles; Ayling, Llorente, Cooper, Struijk; Greenwood, Adams; Gnonto, Klich, Summerville; Gelhardt.
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