Salford vs Leeds predictions for Tuesday’s EFL Cup second-round clash at the Peninsula Stadium. Will the Ammies deliver once again a Championship scalp in this season’s competition or will Leeds’ good form extend to this competition? Read on for our free betting tips and predictions.
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Match Live Tuesday, 29th August at 8:00 pm In:
Salford City vs Leeds Predictions
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EFL Cup Anticipation: Leeds United and Salford City Lock Horns in a Test of Nerve and Strategy
Key Stats
– Salford City previously ousted Championship side Preston North End in a dramatic penalty shootout this EFL Cup season.
– Leeds United have a ball possession statistic of 76% in the EFL Cup, showcasing their dominance in play.
After a thrilling Championship game where Leeds United scored a magnificent four against Ipswich Town, they gear up to face League Two’s Salford City in the EFL Cup’s second round. The contrasting fortunes of both teams this season present an enticing contest. Here’s what fans can expect.
Leeds’ Spirited Bounce Back
Despite the hiccup of Joe Rodon’s seventh-minute own goal against Ipswich, Leeds displayed their offensive prowess. Notable performances from Georginio Rutter, Joel Piroe, and Wilfried Gnonto, who marked his return with a goal, left their mark. Luis Sinisterra’s goal sealed the deal, rendering the goals from Nathan Broadhead and Conor Chaplin moot.
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Though Leeds have been slow to start their Championship campaign, they’ve begun to show signs of revival. A shaky start in the EFL Cup saw them narrowly beat Shrewsbury Town 2-1. However, history favours Leeds; they’ve consistently made it to the second round for eight consecutive seasons, advancing from their last two second-round ties.
Salford’s Rollercoaster Run
On the other hand, Neil Wood’s Salford City side have had mixed fortunes. A recent home defeat to Accrington Stanley leaves them hunting for a first home win. Their 10th place in League Two might not be stellar, but they’ve already showcased their giant-killing prowess, having ousted Preston North End from the EFL Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout.
This is not the first time Salford have been on this stage. Back in the 2020-21 campaign, they faced a dominant Everton side, which overpowered them 3-0. However, given their previous performance against Championship opposition, Leeds should remain wary.
Team News and Key Players
Salford could likely field a similar team that suffered defeat against Accrington Stanley. Ryan Watson, after his confident penalty, is tipped to start. First-round star, Connor McLennan, might also be recalled, potentially relegating Matt Smith to the bench. Two-time FA Cup finalist, Adrian Mariappa, will be a critical defensive asset for Salford.
Leeds, grappling with injuries, will miss the services of Sam Byram due to an adductor injury. In his absence, Leo Fuhr Hjelde is expected to slot in at the back. While Leeds are active in the transfer market, newcomers Nadiem Amiri and Joseph Paintsil won’t feature in this round.
Predictions
1. Outcome Prediction: Leeds United to Win
Leeds United and Salford City are set to clash, but if recent performance metrics are anything to go by, Leeds United are the team with the edge. It’s been an exciting journey for Salford City, especially considering their giant-killing prowess demonstrated against Preston North End. However, Leeds United’s more recent performance metrics in the Championship depict a squad that has the firepower and resilience to outperform their competition.
They secured a memorable seven-goal success over Ipswich Town and managed to overturn a deficit in their EFL Cup’s first-round against Shrewsbury Town. The quality and depth of the squad, even with some injury concerns, tilt the scales in their favour. Their average possession statistics of 76% also indicate their ability to control games and dictate play, which is vital in cup competitions. Therefore, taking all these factors into account, a Leeds United victory seems like the more logical outcome.
2. Scoreline Prediction: 3-1 in Favour of Leeds United
Analysing the data, it’s evident that both teams are not strangers to the back of the net. Leeds United’s recent 7-goal thriller against Ipswich and Salford’s 2-2 draw against Preston before winning on penalties give enough evidence of their attacking capabilities. However, Leeds United’s average of 2 goals per game in the EFL Cup and Salford’s defensive vulnerabilities (conceding an average of 2 goals per game) point towards a potential multi-goal outcome for the Championship side.
On the other hand, with players like Connor McLennan in Salford’s ranks, who has an impressive average rating and has already netted twice in the competition, the League Two side might just find a consolation. Given these insights, a 3-1 result in favour of Leeds United looks like a plausible outcome.
3. Goalscorer Prediction: Joe Gelhardt to Score
When searching for a potential goalscorer, one must look at the players who have been making waves in the current campaign. Joe Gelhardt stands out for Leeds United. With an impressive BettingTips4You Expert Rating of 7.70 and having already marked his name on the scoresheet in this season’s EFL Cup, Gelhardt has proven his calibre. His positioning, finishing ability, and current form suggest he could be the man to watch out for in the upcoming fixture.
Given Salford’s defensive record and Leeds United’s attacking prowess, it’s highly probable that Gelhardt will find himself in goal-scoring positions. The young forward, who has already shown a knack for crucial goals, is poised to make his mark again. So, placing a bet on Joe Gelhardt to score at least once during the match seems like a well-informed prediction.
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