Leeds United manager Daniel Farke is preparing to address journalists before the club’s trip to Nottingham Forest for Tuesday’s Carabao Cup encounter.
The Yorkshire side make a swift return to the City Ground, where they secured three Premier League points on Saturday. That match saw Anton Stach net the decisive goal, yet the German midfielder appears unlikely to feature from the start this time around.
Significant changes to the starting eleven are anticipated, with Farke potentially handing opportunities to several academy products. Despite this approach, the Elland Road outfit enters the competition having claimed just one cup victory across the past three campaigns, notably suffering an embarrassing exit against Sheffield Wednesday twelve months prior.
Nevertheless, the club’s broader ambitions this term take precedence over domestic cup progress, meaning a defeat would not represent a disaster.
Among the talking points ahead of kickoff will be the situation surrounding Lucas Perri. The Brazilian shot-stopper remains part of the current squad following Saturday’s league fixture but appears destined for an exit once his thigh problem fully resolves. Complications have arisen primarily due to negotiations for Frankfurt’s Michael Zetterer stalling.
Should Perri recover in time, he could potentially start between the posts. Alternatively, Farke may opt to preserve Jamie Shackleton given his limited pre-season preparation. The 26-year-old has managed a mere 45 minutes of match action during the summer schedule.
Regarding transfer activity, discussions with Chelsea regarding their attacking target appear to have broken down, with the west London club apparently no longer considering Leeds as a realistic destination. Xabi Alonso has stated the Blues are in no hurry to finalise arrangements, though a resolution is anticipated shortly. Strasbourg have expressed curiosity but show waning enthusiasm given rival interest.
At the other end of the pitch, Leeds maintain their pursuit of a left-flank attacker, though the transfer window closes in just eight days. Mykhailo Mudryk continues to attract interest from the West Yorkshire club.
Whichever side Farke selects this evening will likely bear little resemblance to the team that triumphed in Saturday’s top-flight contest. Given the club’s absence from major trophy celebrations for an extended period, the German coach’s genuine commitment to cup competitions cannot be questioned, though his team selection tomorrow will provide the most telling indication of his actual priorities.