On Sky
Leeds United return to League Cup action tonight in front of the cameras as they look to push on further than last seasons 2nd Round exploits, falling foul to Harry Redknapp’s Pompey side. Tonight`s match comes off the back of an impressive comeback as Gary McAllister`s side turned around Scunthorpe 2-1 last weekend.
Vital Quotes:
Leeds boss Gary McAllister believes that a decent cup run, even in the League Cup, could be beneficial as far as the normal league season goes, and hopes for an early doors boost to morale as Leeds make their first ever trip to Chester:
‘Over the past few years, clubs from the lower divisions have gained momentum by having decent cup runs,’ McAllister told leedsunited.com.
‘We’ve got to look at it like that.
‘We might tinker a little bit, but we’re not at the stage like some of the Premiership clubs where we drop one team and bring another in.’
Meanwhile, Chester City boss Simon Davies isn’t feeling any pressure as the English giants visit his side:
‘They are favourites to go up in the division above us. So there is not a lot of pressure on us with that.
‘The only pressure we’ve got is what we’ve put on ourselves, which will be an awful lot.
‘We need to go out now and believe in ourselves once more and show everyone, but mostly ourselves, that we can play. But our fans are due something now.’
Chester City Team News:
Chester are set to drop former Crewe Alexandra and Shrewsbury striker Ryan Lowe to the bench after his goal-less performance.
The BBC report that Kevin Roberts, and former Leeds United defender Paul Butler will also be dropped. All unsurprising changes considering they were thrashed by a half-dozen to nil!
Player to watch: John Danby
After conceding 6 goals, you’ve got to be wondering what will be flashing before his eyes during a Leeds United encounter.
I think it will be the result of Beckford/Becchio’s efforts!
Leeds United Team News:
Enoch Showunmi and David Prutton are both struggling to be fit, although as mentioned Gary McAllister may tinker with the side.
Luciano Becchio is set to come in for the big man, whilst they are plenty of options in midfield to replace Prutton.
Lucas may come in for Ankergren, whilst BBC are reporting that non-contracted Paul Telfer may well make an appearance at some point over the course of the match.
Player to watch: Luciano Becchio
Welcome to the Football League Luciano, if you play you don`t forget the re-enforced shin pads!
If there was a time and a place to try a largely un-tested striker, it has to be against a side that’s just conceded 6!
Match Facts & Stats
Leeds met Chester City in the 2006/07 season for yet another League Cup round one fixture.
That year, it was a single Erik Bakke goal that made the difference at Elland Road.
The Chester City squad in that match included their current goalkeeper John Danby, and a certain Swansea manager we had to hear a lot of last season, Roberto Martinez.
Chester had previously beaten Leeds 3-0, with City overcoming Don Revie’s great side during the 1974/75 season.
A match report from that game has been expertly re-created on Vital Chester City
Ref Watch:
The match officials for tonight:
Ref: G Salisbury
Lino’s: R Fletcher and J Waugh
Fourth Official: K A Friend
Match Prediction:
4-1 Leeds United. I think Chester will at some point scare us, with United come back to sort things out later on.
Hopefully not as late as the weekend mind!
Next Fixtures:
Elland Road re-opens for serious football as Oldham are the visitors on Saturday afternoon (16th, 1500 k/o.)