Sheffield Wednesday welcome rivals Leeds United to Hillsborough on Tuesday in the EFL Cup second round. The Owls are chasing only their second win of the season, while Leeds look to respond after a heavy defeat at the weekend.
Henrik Pedersen’s men have struggled in the Championship, with just one point from three matches. Their only victory so far came in the cup, when they beat Bolton on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw.
A comeback against Wrexham last time out showed fighting spirit, but their poor home record remains a concern, with just one win in 11 games at Hillsborough.
Leeds, meanwhile, started their Premier League return with a solid win over Everton but were humbled 5-0 by Arsenal on Saturday.
Still, Daniel Farke’s side are clear favourites, having beaten Wednesday twice in the league last season.
With strong away form and greater depth, the Peacocks will expect to progress, though cup ties can always throw up surprises.
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Sheffield Wednesday vs. Leeds United lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news
Henrik Pedersen will be without Bruno Fernandes, who played behind the strikers in the first round but is now sidelined with injury.
Sean Fusire could step in to replace him. Nathaniel Chalobah remains out with a hamstring issue, leaving Olaf Kobacki, Rio Shipston and Jarvis Thornton as likely midfield options.
At the back, Di’Shon Bernard is ruled out with a knee problem, so youngsters Joe Emery and Ernie Weaver may start in central defence.
Sheffield Wednesday predicted starting XI (4-4-2, right to left): Charles (GK) — Siqeuria, Emery, Weaver, Johnson — Thornton, Shipston, Fusire, Kobacki — McNeill, Ugbo
Injured: Bruno Fernandes (deep cut), Nathaniel Chalobah (hamstring), Di’Shon Bernard (knee)
Suspended: None
Daniel Farke is set to rest Dominic Calvert-Lewin as he continues to build match fitness, with Lukas Nmecha in line to lead the attack.
Joel Piroe may drop to the bench for this one. Ethan Ampadu also misses out with a knee injury, meaning Ilia Gruev should anchor the midfield, supported by Ao Tanaka and Anton Stach.
Apart from those absences, Leeds have a strong squad available for the trip.
Leeds United predicted starting XI (4-3-3, right to left): Perri (GK) — Bogle, Rodon, Strujik, Gudmundsson — Tanaka, Gruev, Stach — James, Nmecha, Gnonto
Injured: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (match fitness), Ethan Ampadu (knee)
Suspended: None
Sheffield Wednesday vs. Leeds United match details
- Date: Tuesday, August 26, 2025
- Kickoff time: 8 p.m. local / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
- Location: Hillsborough, Sheffield (England)
- Competition: EFL Cup
- Referee: Robert Jones
- Fourth Official: Gavin Ward
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