Even at this early stage of the season, this game is as much about player management as it is progression in the cup.
Does Marcelo Bielsa want to beat Preston tonight? Of course he does, but games are coming thick and fast at the moment and preservation of the regular starting XI is more important.
Bielsa has faith in his squad though and a heavily changed line-up saw him triumph against Bolton in the first round and we think this starting XI will do the same at Elland Road tonight.
Samu Saiz is the star man again this season and Bielsa obviously loves him. However, he’s looking for cover for him in the loan window and he’s aware that his tireless running game isn’t an everlasting resource.
Saiz has played every single game so far this season and must be rested tonight in a total of eight changes from the side that swatted Norwich aside 3-0 at the weekend.
Also dropping out are Kemar Roofe, Ezgjan Allioski, Pablo Hernandez, Barry Douglas, Gaetano Berardi, Luke Ayling and Bailey Peacock-Farrell.
Patrick Bamford gets another chance to prove he can be the number one striker, and Jack Harrison, a hopefully fit Stuart Dallas and Lewis Baker join the midfield.
Wonder-kids Tom Pearce, Conor Shaugnessy (the 22-year-old making his season debut) and Jamie Shackleton, along with Chelsea’s loanee Jamal Blackman, complete the starting XI that will rip Preston to shreds and keep Bielsa’s unbeaten start to the season going.
Mateusz Klich, Pontus Jansson and Kalvin Phillips will have to forgo their midweek rest.
