After an impressive start to the Premier League season, Leeds will play their first cup game on Wednesday night, hosting Barnsley in the Carabao Cup second round.
Two wins and one draw in Leeds' opening three games puts the Whites third in the Premier League table, with Jesse Marsch's side one of seven sides yet to lose a game in the league this season. The best result of the campaign so far came last Sunday, with Leeds beating Chelsea 3-0 in a brilliant victory.
And, just three days after their league win, Leeds return to Elland Road in the Carabao Cup, facing League One side Barnsley in the second round of the competition. Barnsley were relegated from the Championship to League One last season, and Leeds are expected to make lots of changes to their starting XI on Wednesday night.
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So, what line-up could Leeds go for in their clash with Barnsley? And can Marsch's side keep up their unbeaten run to the season? We simulated the game to find out.
Leeds United vs Barnsley score predicted by simulation
To complete this simulation, we used FIFA 22 and updated the squads with the latest transfers. Due to FIFA 22 not having the latest kits, both sides lined up in the kits for the 2021/22 season.
We predict that Leeds could set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with their line-up as follows: Klaesson; Drameh, Koch, Hjelde, Struijk; Greenwood, Forshaw; Summerville, Klich, Sinisterra; Gelhardt.
We predict that Barnsley could set up in a 3-4-1-2 formation, with their line-up as follows: Collins; Andersen, Cundy, Kitching; Williams, Connell, Benson, Styles; Thomas; Cole, Norwood.
From the go, Leeds were in control, starting the game at a high tempo and causing all sorts of issues for the visitors. Joe Gelhardt tested the Barnsley 'keeper with two shots in the opening 10 minutes, but the striker found the opener on his third attempt.
Crysencio Summerville skinned his marker on the right as he let the ball run through his legs, allowing the winger to charge towards goal. His driven cross into the box was met by Gelhardt, and the striker curled his effort into the far corner.
The situation got worse for Barnsley just minutes later, with defender Robbie Cundy picking up two yellow cards in quick succession, reducing the visitors to 10 men.
On the 30th minute mark, Luis Sinisterra grabbed his first goal for Leeds, sliding in at the back post to tap in Summerville's dragged shot and double the lead. And just before half-time, Marsch's side took the game out of reach, with Sinisterra grabbing his second and Leeds' third.
His second goal the best of the two, Adam Forshaw chipped the ball towards the front post from the left, and Sinisterra latched onto the pass in acrobatic style. On the volley, the Colombian twisted his body to strike the ball past the 'keeper at his near post, making it 3-0.
With a huge lead, Marsch's side took their foot off the gas in the second half, and the game played out as more of a training session for Leeds. Barnsley failed to threaten with 10 men, and Marsch's side held out for the win.
FIFA 22 score prediction: Leeds United 3-0 Barnsley
Here are the full-time match stats.
FIFA 22 predicts that Leeds could ease their way to a 3-0 victory against Barnsley on Wednesday, securing their spot in the Carabao Cup third round. A dominant, fast-paced first half saw Leeds take the game away from the visitors, allowing Marsch's side to calmly control the game in the second.
What do you think the score will be for Leeds on Wednesday? Let us know in the comments!
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