Leeds United vs. Middlesbrough Prediction: Both are giant clubs in the championship

Leeds United prepares to welcome Middlesbrough at Elland Road in this EFL Cup first-round fixture. Both are giant clubs in the championship and will fancy their chances when the match is through.

Championship opening weekend was not successful for Leeds as they conceded one more at Elland Road against Portsmouth in a very entertaining six-goal game. Ahead in possession and making the running, Leeds were made to work hard for a point as Callum Lang netted a last-gasp penalty for Portsmouth. New signing Brenden Aaronson saved face for the home outfit, firing an equaliser—one goal at 95 minutes.

Leeds lacked the clinical finishing of last season's top scorer, Crysencio Summerville, now left for West Ham United. Nevertheless, Leeds will be hopeful with their record at Elland Road as they tackle the second round of the EFL Cup. Former winners Leeds needed penalties to beat Shrewsbury Town in the previous season but surprisingly lost in the second round to a tie against Salford City.

Darlow; Bogle, Wober, Struijk, Byram; Rothwell, Crew, James, Aaronson, Piroe; Bamford

The Smoggies, who finished eighth in the Championship last season, began this season by winning a home game against Swansea City. A single strike, through an early penalty by Emmanuel Latte Lath, was the difference that gave Boro three points. Middlesbrough still have an alright away record from last season so can come into the match with some confidence. With that giant-killing in the same competition early this year, though, they would have likely taken on the role of underdogs more than once to achieve their EFL Cup semi-final. It is Leeds that Middlesbrough manage to get the better of now, though, and confidence should be high.

Glover; Ayling, Clarke, Van den Berg, Engel; Howson, Barlaser, Burgzorg, Morris, Azaz; Coburn

Leeds are expected to make several changes for the game this Wednesday, but even their reserves will pose a huge task for the Boro. Our prediction is that the season's semi-finalists do make a quick bow, as they are not quite resourced for this level.