Daniel Farke has already hinted at the possibility of making changes to his Leeds United starting XI for tonight’s Carabao Cup clash against Middlesbrough.
As Leeds prepares to host one of their potential promotion rivals at Elland Road, Farke is likely to rotate his squad to keep key players fresh and provide opportunities for others to impress.
With the Championship season only just underway, Leeds faces a quick turnaround from their opening fixture on Saturday to tonight’s cup tie, followed by an early kickoff on Saturday against West Bromwich Albion. The packed schedule necessitates careful management of the squad to avoid early-season fatigue, and the Carabao Cup offers Farke the perfect opportunity to assess his options and make strategic rotations.
Among those likely to feature tonight are Joe Rothwell, Brenden Aaronson, and Max Wöber—players who could potentially play more prominent roles in the league as the season progresses. These players represent the depth that Farke is looking to explore, especially as he seeks to build a squad capable of sustaining a promotion push in the Championship.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Farke’s squad selection is the midfield pairing, an area of ongoing deliberation. Ethan Ampadu has cemented his place as a key figure in Leeds’ midfield, but the question of who partners him remains open. Ilia Gruev was chosen for the opening match, but his natural position is more defensive, raising doubts about whether he is the ideal long-term partner for Ampadu.
This is where Joe Rothwell comes into the picture. Rothwell is almost certain to start tonight’s match, providing him with an opportunity to showcase his abilities and stake his claim for a regular starting spot in the league. However, Rothwell is not the only midfielder who deserves a closer look; there is also a promising youngster who could be on the cusp of making a breakthrough—Charlie Crew.
Charlie Crew’s potential debut against Middlesbrough is one of the key talking points ahead of tonight’s game. The young midfielder has been making waves within the club, having been on the bench towards the end of last season and earning his senior Wales debut in June. His performances have caught the eye of not just the coaching staff but also Leeds legend Michael Bridges, who praised Crew following Leeds’ friendly victory over Valencia.
Farke has spoken highly of Crew, acknowledging his potential and suggesting that the club views him as a future star. With this in mind, the Carabao Cup provides an ideal platform for Crew to demonstrate that he is ready for senior football. If he isn’t given a chance in a cup game like this, one has to wonder when such an opportunity will come.
The clock is ticking for Leeds to bring in the additional signings they need before the transfer window closes, particularly in midfield. If for any reason these reinforcements do not materialize, Crew could find himself playing a more significant role than anticipated this season. Tonight’s match could be the perfect stage for him to show that he is ready to step up.
As for the rest of the lineup, while Farke has indicated there will be rotation, it is unlikely that he will make wholesale changes given how early it is in the season. In goal, Karl Darlow is expected to replace Illan Meslier, providing Darlow with a chance to get some minutes under his belt. In defense, Sam Byram and Max Wöber are likely to start, with Junior Firpo and Pascal Struijk the most probable candidates to be rested.
In midfield, the anticipated partnership of Rothwell and Crew will be one to watch, as both players have a lot to prove. Joel Piroe, Brenden Aaronson, and Patrick Bamford are also expected to come into the starting XI, adding experience and attacking prowess to the lineup. This would leave Dan James, Joe Rodon, and Jayden Bogle as the only three players to retain their places from the weekend’s match.
Tonight’s game against Middlesbrough is not just about progressing in the Carabao Cup; it’s about giving Farke a clearer picture of his squad depth and the players who could play pivotal roles in what promises to be a challenging and competitive season. The match provides an opportunity for players like Crew to step up and show that they are ready to contribute to Leeds’ promotion ambitions. With so much at stake, both in terms of the cup and the broader campaign, the game will be an important early test of Farke’s squad management and strategic planning.
