Leeds United's sensational efforts in the early doors of the 2022/23 season will be put to the test in the EFL Cup this Wednesday as the club looks to make it four games unbeaten when Barnsley of League One head to Elland Road after a struggle in the first few weeks of the new season.
After facing relegation from the Championship into the third tier, Barnsley were favoured to be one of the sides battling for a place in the playoffs. It has, however, been a rough ride and they now sit 16th with three losses from the five games so far.
👀 Need something to watch tonight? Check out 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦𝘴 of Rodrigo’s latest goal with @HisenseUK pic.twitter.com/ZdpBs88erx— Leeds United (@LUFC) August 22, 2022
👀 Need something to watch tonight? Check out 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦𝘴 of Rodrigo’s latest goal with @HisenseUK pic.twitter.com/ZdpBs88erx
Despite beating Bristol Rovers comfortably in a 3-0 win around this time last week in what was their performance of the season, Wycombe Wanderers were up next for the club where the fellow relegated side hammered them 3-0.
Barnsley had just two shots on target at home that day and never got going at all. It was also a stark reminder of how tough it’s going to be to get back into the Championship.
Michael Duff's side did manage to also defeat Cheltenham Town in the league in gameweek two, as Derby County and Plymouth Argyle made it two more losses for the Tykes after five fixtures. What's worse, the losses have also been coupled with a lack of goals as they've scored in just two games so far in the league.
Things have been very different for Leeds, however, and they are the surprise package of the Premier League so far.
Jesse Marsch was backed by a lot to get sacked first, but the American is coming off the back of two wins and a draw in the league so far, which puts them way ahead in the Premier League table than the likes of Liverpool.
Chelsea were the recent victims, as Leeds registered one of their best Premier League performances since securing promotion two seasons ago. Brendan Aaronson was the first goalscorer for the Whites, before Rodrigo Moreno netted yet another goal to make it three in three for him. Jack Harrison also got in on the act, as Marsch's men absolutely tore Chelsea to shreds throughout the game.
Leeds have also taken points off Wolverhampton Wanderers so far this season, with Rodrigo's other two goals coming in a brace that game. Better yet, after going two goals down against Southampton, Leeds came back to snatch a draw in that game.
Forebet predicts a win for the Premier League side here and for the game to see under 2.5 goals.