Leeds United and Barnsley will have an encounter in a Yorkshire derby on Wednesday, as both teams look to progress through to the EFL Cup third round.
While the hosts have enjoyed a strong start in the Premier League, their visitors have struggled to find any consistency on their return to League One.
When the likes of Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips parted ways with Leeds United, there was the perception that they would suffer without the presence of their two key players.
However, the Yorkshire giants have become more of a team under Jesse Marsch, a feeling which was strengthened as his side responded from conceding a two-goal lead at Southampton to outfighting Chelsea at the weekend.
Although Leeds had to ride their luck during the opening quarter, their work-rate and persistence was rewarded as they forced Chelsea into mistakes and deservedly triumphed by a 3-0 scoreline.
Picking up seven points from a possible nine in the Premier League may mean that this game will result in mass changes being made by Marsch, whose team next make a trip to fellow unbeaten side Brighton & Hove Albion.
Everyone associated with Barnsley will certainly have mixed feelings about taking on Leeds at Elland Road when they are at the top of their game and Michael Duff’s side are not.
However, this is another opportunity for the Tykes to record an impressive win after seeing off Middlesbrough in the previous round of this competition.
Despite that, Barnsley have struggled in the third tier, with Duff watching his side lose at home to Wycombe Wanderers by a 3-0 scoreline at the weekend.
At this early stage, the Tykes remain just three points adrift of fifth place, but a trip to current league leaders Ipswich Town follows their 24-mile trip to their more prominent neighbours.
Leeds United vs Barnsley head to head
The two teams have previously met on 18 occasions across all competitions, where Leeds have claimed nine victories while Barnsley have won six, and they have drawn in three. Leeds have scored 29 goals and conceded 29. In their last five meetings, Leeds have won four while Barnsley have won one.
Barnsley 3-2 Leeds United 21/01/17
Barnsley 0-2 Leeds United 25/11/17
Leeds United 2-1 Barnsley 21/04/18
Barnsley 0-2 Leeds United 15/09/19
Leeds United 1-0 Barnsley 16/07/20
Leeds United latest home form
Leeds United have recently been on a good run of form at home, having been unbeaten in their six most recent matches. They managed to defeat Chelsea 3-0 in their last home game in the league. In their last five matches, they have scored 17 goals and conceded just four.
Leeds United 4-0 Blackpool 07/07/22
Leeds United 2-1 Brisbane Roar 14/07/22
Leeds United 6-2 Cagliari 31/07/22
Leeds United 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers 06/08/22
Leeds United 3-0 Chelsea 21/08/22
Leeds United latest away form
Leeds United have recently been on a relatively good run of form on the road, having lost just one of their four most recent matches. They drew 2-2 with Southampton in their last away game in the league. In their last five matches, they have scored six goals and conceded seven.
Arsenal 2-1 Leeds United 08/05/22
Brentford 1-2 Leeds United 22/05/22
Aston Villa 1-0 Leeds United 17/07/22
Crystal Palace 1-1 Leeds United 22/07/22
Southampton 2-2 Leeds United 13/08/22
Barnsley latest home form
Barnsley lost 3-0 to Wycombe Wanderers in their last away game in the league. However, they have recently been on a good run of form at home, as they have been unbeaten in their previous five matches. In their last five matches, they have scored six goals and conceded four.
Barnsley 0-0 Nottingham Forest 16/07/22
Barnsley 2-1 Sheffield United 23/07/22
Barnsley 1-0 Cheltenham Town 06/08/22
Barnsley 3-0 Bristol Rovers 16/08/22
Barnsley 0-3 Wycombe Wanderers 20/08/22
Barnsley latest away form
Barnsley have recently failed to keep a good run of form on the road, having won just two of their five most recent matches. They lost 2-1 to Derby County in their last away game in the league. In their last five matches, they have scored seven goals and conceded six.
Worksop Town 1-3 Barnsley 25/06/22
Harrogate Town 2-2 Barnsley 20/07/22
Plymouth Argyle 1-0 Barnsley 30/07/22
Middlesbrough 0-1 Barnsley 10/08/22
Derby County 2-1 Barnsley 13/08/22
Leeds United news
Patrick Bamford and Liam Cooper are closing in on their returns from injury, but Marsch may not want to risk either player from the opening whistle.
Pascal Strijk and Robin Koch are potentially the only players to retain their spots in the team due to injuries to other defender, with Luis Sinistera starting here.
Barnsley news
With Duff likely to bring in some fresh legs, Matthew Wolfe and William Hondermarck could come into the centre of the pitch, while James Norwood is an alternative in attack.
Callum Styles may not be risked as speculation persists around his future, while Conor McCarthy could start in the back three.
Prediction and Odds
With local pride at stake in this contest, many of the Barnsley players may raise their game as they look to come away with a positive result.
However, even if Marsch names an entirely different starting XI, we expect Leeds Unted to power their way to victory over their county neighbours.
Odds: 1 2.21 X 2.05 2 2.30
Probable outcomes
Leeds United 2-0 Barnsley
Leeds United 2-1 Barnsley
Leeds United 3-1 Barnsley
Leeds United 3-2 Barnsley
Leeds United 2-2 Barnsley
