Less than 48 hours after impressing away at West Ham, it's all eyes on the cup as Leeds travel to the Keepmoat Stadium to face Yorkshire rivals Doncaster Rovers. Leeds haven't lost away to Doncaster since a 2-0 defeat in the 1951/2 season but there is a recent rivalry between the two sides following all the hard work of the -15 season being undone in one afternoon at Wembley when Leeds lost 1-0 to Doncaster in the League 1 play off final in May 2008.
Team News:
With only one day recovery since their last outing, it is likely there will be a few changes to the United team. Lloyd Sam, Ramon Nunez and Alex Bruce are three players that could potentially come in for tired bodies. Michael Brown is also likely to be sitting this one out after missing the trip to London at the Weekend. It is unknown whether Leigh Bromby and Ben Parker have recovered from their injuries in time to be available for selection. Billy Paynter and United's long term absentees Luciano Becchio and Davide Somma are all still out.
Loanees Darren O'Dea and Andrew Keogh are both eligible to play in the League Cup for Leeds and may both feature.
Doncaster have started the season with somewhat of an injury crisis and although a number of players are back in contention including Brian Stock, Shelton Martis, James Hayter and James Chambers. They are still missing a number of first teamers in Billy Sharp, Ryan Mason, James Chambers and Martin Woods.
Someone who is definately fit is former Leeds captain Richard Naylor, who if selected will be facing his home town club for the first time since his contract ended in the summer.
One to watch:
My one to watch for this game would have been Billy Sharp but he will not be featuring due to injury. Instead, someone else to look out for is Giles Barnes. When he broke through at Derby he was expected to go on to do great things and was a major part of the Derby side that won promotion to the Premier League. However injuries have held him back and after an unsuccessful spell at West Brom he now finds himself back in the Championship with Doncaster. He will be looking to prove himself once again and could well be the thorn in Leeds United's side.
My Prediction:
If Leeds play anywhere near to how they did on Sunday then i can only see one winner tonight. Doncaster have had a poor start to the season and find themselves bottom with zero points after 4 games. I'm going to say that even with a few changes to the side, Leeds to win 2-0.
Last six meetings:
5th March 2011 - Leeds United 5-2 Doncaster Rovers
17th September 2010 - Doncaster Rovers 0-0 Leeds United
25th May 2008 - Leeds United 0-1 Doncaster Rovers
1st April 2008 - Doncaster Rovers 0-1 Leeds United
19th January 2008 - Leeds United 0-1 Doncaster Rovers
14th April 1956 - Doncaster Rovers 1-2 Leeds United
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