Leeds vs Middlesbrough prediction: Yorkshire rivals meet in EFL Cup first round
A place in the EFL Cup second round is up for grabs when Leeds and Middlesbrough meet on Wednesday evening.
Leeds vs Middlesbrough latest prediction
Leeds 3-2 Middlesbrough (20/1 with Bet365)
Leeds are unbeaten in their last six meetings with Boro, winning the last four on the bounce, with the last two by a one-goal margin.
Over 2.5 goals (4/7 with BetMGM)
Three of the last four meetings between Leeds and Middlesbrough have seen over 2.5 goals scored.
Georginio Rutter to score or assist (8/11 with Bet365)
Georginio Rutter headed into the 2024/25 season on the back of a solid pre-season, having scored in Leeds’ last two friendly games, before assisting a goal in their crazy 3-3 opener against Portsmouth.
Leeds vs Middlesbrough preview
It was heartbreak for Leeds, who missed out on Premier League promotion at the first time of asking. Daniel Farke’s side was beaten in the play-off final by Southampton and will now be consigned to another Championship season, which starts against Portsmouth at home. Once they’ve navigated their opening league contest, attention turns to the EFL Cup, in which they’ve struggled recently. Leeds, winners in 1968 and finalists in 1996, were eliminated in the second round by Salford last season on penalties. Their last deep run came in 2016/17 when they reached the quarter-finals.
It will now be eight consecutive seasons in the Championship for Boro after they finished eighth in England’s second tier last season. It was four places worse than in Michael Carrick’s debut season. Middlesbrough start their new campaign against Swansea City at home before attempting to start another incredible EFL Cup run. Last season, they reached the semi-finals and even took a 1-0 lead to Stamford Bridge, only for Chelsea to run out 6-1 winners. That was Boro’s best performance in the competition since winning it 20 years ago under Steve McClaren’s leadership, with Gareth Southgate captaining that side.
Leeds United face Middlesbrough at 8pm (UK time) on Wednesday 14th August at Elland Road.
Leeds team news
Leeds could make several changes to their Championship lineup from last time out, meaning key starters like Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon might be dropped. Mateo Joseph, who made his league debut for Leeds over the weekend, is expected to be replaced by either Joel Piroe or Patrick Bamford on Wednesday night. Joe Rothwell could make his full debut here, while youngsters Charlie Cresswell and Joe Gelhardt hope to get some playing time.
Middlesbrough team news
Boro does not have as much squad depth, but right-back Luke Ayling might play against his former team at Elland Road, if head coach Carrick decides to keep faith in the 32-year-old veteran. Delano Burgzorg could be in line for his first competitive start for Boro, he already boasts experience in the EFL Cup from his loan spell at Huddersfield Town last season.
Leeds vs Middlesbrough head-to-head
| Leeds vs Middlesbrough H2H | |||||||
| Date | Score | Ground | |||||
| 22 Apr 2024 | Middlesbrough 3-4 Leeds | Riverside Stadium | |||||
| 02 Dec 2023 | Leeds 3-2 Middlesbrough | Elland Road | |||||
| 26 Feb 2020 | Middlesbrough 0-1 Leeds | Riverside Stadium | |||||
| 30 Nov 2019 | Leeds 4-0 Middlesbrough | Elland Road | |||||
| 09 Feb 2019 | Middlesbrough 1-1 Leeds | Riverside Stadium | |||||
| 31 Aug 2018 | Leeds 0-0 Middlesbrough | Elland Road | |||||
How to watch Leeds vs Middlesbrough live
Leeds United face Middlesbrough in the 2024/25 EFL Cup first round at 8pm on Wednesday 14th August, with the game set to be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.
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