Leeds United manager Daniel Farke with Sheffield Wednesday insert
Credit: Imago
Evan Lloyd
Mon 25 August 2025 16:10, UK
Leeds United are set to begin their 2025/26 Carabao Cup campaign on Tuesday when they meet Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough.
Daniel Farke’s side have experienced both sides of the coin so far this season. Leeds beat Everton 1-0 on the opening day, with Lukas Nmecha’s late penalty marking a joyous occasion for the Whites.
But on Saturday, Leeds were smashed 5-0 by Arsenal, with goals from Jurrien Timber, Viktor Gyokeres, and Bukayo Saka sending the Whites crashing back down to Earth.
Tuesday’s second round clash will provide an opportunity for rotation for Farke; however, with Noah Okafor set to make his full debut following his £17million move from AC Milan.
Noah Okafor
Okafor could make his full debut (Credit: Imago)
Form Guide
Sheffield Wednesday – L, W (p), L, D
Leeds United – D, D, W, L
Team news
Ethan Ampadu was ruled out of the Arsenal game with a suspected knee injury and is set to return following the international break.
MORE LEEDS STORIES
Dominic Calvert-Lewin was also missing for the trip to The Emirates, with the striker lacking match fitness. The 28-year-old missed a large chunk of pre-season, but could now be nearing a debut for Leeds.
Ao Tanaka started the match on Saturday, but was substituted in the 58th minute.
Farke confirmed to the media following the game that the midfielder had suffered an injury to his knee, but chose to play on.
The extent of the Japan international’s injury is not yet clear, but it is likely that he will not be risked for the Sheffield Wednesday game.
The home side will be without goalkeeper Pierce Charles, with Wednesday granted permission to sign Ethan Horvath on an emergency loan last week.
Sheffield Wednesday vs Leeds predicted lineups
Sheffield Wednesday – Horvath, Iorfa, Lowe, Palmer, Valery, Ingelsson, Bannan, Kobacki, McNeill, Lowe, Ugbo
Leeds United – Darlow, Byram, Bijol, Bornauw, Gudmundsson, Longstaff, Gruev, Harrison, Aaronson, Okafor, Nmecha
Leeds predicted XI vs Sheffield Wednesday
Leeds predicted XI vs Sheffield Wednesday
Prediction: Sheffield Wednesday 0-4 Leeds
Any team travelling to Hillsborough currently is set to experience an uncertain atmosphere.
Sheffield Wednesday’s future is resting in the balance, as they battle against the financial problems induced by owner Dejphon Chansiri.
In times of struggle, players and fans can experience a siege mentality, performing against all odds to grind out results.
But on Tuesday, Leeds can rather expect to face a weary team with a large portion of their focus set on the Championship, and the club’s survival as a whole.
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