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If you’re a Leeds fan, at this point I’d have to assume you’ve woken up from a coma if you have no idea what the words “Carabao Cup” and “Samu Sáiz” are. The first round is in the books, and Leeds United have been drawn to play Newport County in the second round of the oh-so-prestigious Carabao Cup.
#LUFC have been drawn to @NewportCounty in Round Two of the @Carabao_Cup with the tie to be played at Elland Road pic.twitter.com/QI9fScy6ee
— Leeds United (@LUFC) August 10, 2017
Newport, a League Two side, beat Southend United, a League One side, 2-0 to secure their place in round 2. There are a tiny bit of complications surrounding this draw, so lemme break it down for you.
Firstly, Rodney Parade, where the Exiles play their home games, is currently getting resurfaced, so Newport County received permission from the EFL to reserve any potential home draw. So, ta da! An extra home game at Elland Road.
Second, a lovely question brought up by Adam Pope
Can someone explain how Newport v #lufc is a northern section draw?
— Adam Pope (@APOPEY) August 10, 2017
The answer: In addition to ourselves permission has also been granted to West Ham United due to other events taking place at the Olympic Stadium, therefore to avoid any potential fixture clash with West Ham United it has been agreed that Newport County AFC will be placed in the Northern Region of the Carabao Cup
Will the Samu Sáiz show continue in the 2nd round? The ties are to be played the week commencing 21st August, enough time for Leeds to play Preston, Fulham, and Sunderland. If he isn’t in the starting XI at that point, then Samu will be looking to continue his cup domination against Newport.