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Ricky Charlesworth

Five Leeds United players in contention to start against Hull City in League Cup clash

Marcelo Bielsa is likely to ring the changes for Wednesday night's EFL Cup clash against Hull City.

The Whites' boss knows that the Premier League is the main focus this season, after he led them to promotion last term.

Leeds ended their 16-year exile from the top table of English football with a superb showing at champions Liverpool on the league's opening day.

Despite being on the wrong end of a seven-goal thriller, Bielsa will have been encouraged by what he saw.

Now, attentions turn to the Carabao Cup although it is highly probable that a number of those who started at Anfield won't be in the first XI to face the League One Tigers.

Here, we pick out five players who look a good bet to earn a starting spot at Elland Road.

Liam Cooper

Nobody would have been more gutted at missing out on a starting spot at Anfield than skipper Cooper.

The Whites' centre-half missed the game through injury and tweeted of his disappointment, saying: "Gutted would be an understatement. I dreamt about this day.. Today come too soon but I’m here to support the boys through our return to the Premier League. Be loud and proud from home! MOT."

Bielsa confirmed after the Liverpool clash that "Cooper came back with a slight muscular problem from playing with Scotland.We don't think this will stop him from playing in the next match."

The 29-year-old will surely be chomping at the bit for his first taste of action this season, especially against his former club.

Jamie Shackleton

The youngster has started all four EFL Cup games since Bielsa arrived at Elland Road.

Predominantly used as a sub in league games, the 20-year-old again had a cameo at Anfield last weekend.

He will be hoping to catch the eye here, if indeed he maintains his starting streak in the cups.

Rodrigo

United's record signing came off the bench on Saturday but conceded a clumsy late penalty, which ultimately sealed the win for the hosts.

He looked busy in attack but struggled to make a real impact. He will be hoping that a start against lower-league opposition will give him a proper chance to kick off his Elland Road career.

Tyler Roberts

Performed brightly in his 30-minute appearance off the bench at Anfield.

Also got stuck in with his defensive duties. He has fond memories of playing Hull, from when he scored a late brace in a 4-0 win at the KCOM Stadium.

He will be hoping that he gets the nod so he can show his worth to Bielsa.

Joe Gelhardt

Perhaps an outside bet, but the former Wigan youngster caught the eye in Monday night's under-23s game.

Despite being on the end of a 4-0 loss, Gelhardt gave an indication of why he is so highly thought of in the inner circles of youth football in this country.

He looked good on the ball, powerful, quick and consistently worked hard all night long, showing the kind of pressing that is a pre-requisite of any Marcelo Bielsa player.

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