Leeds United v Middlesbrough: Prediction, Tips and Odds

The first round of the EFL Cup has paired two Championship teams together on Wednesday as Leeds United host Middlesbrough at Elland Road.

The Whites were held to a 3-3 draw by Portsmouth in their Championship opener at home, while Boro recorded a 1-0 win over Swansea at the Riverside Stadium.

Both teams are expected to be challenging for promotion and a lively game is expected between the pair in one of three games in the EFL Cup on Wednesday.

Leeds United v Middlesbrough betting tips and predictions

Leeds United to win and both teams to score - 2/1

Leeds are still reeling after their failure to get promoted last term, and it has cost them, with several first-team players already out of the door at Elland Road.

Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville, Glen Kamara, Marco Roca, Charlie Cresswell and Diego Llorente have all left the club, leaving Daniel Farke still trying to piece his squad together.

The arrival of Joe Rodon and Jayden Bogle should strengthen their defence in the long run, but there was no sign of that solidity when Pompey made the long trip north on Saturday.

Leeds made a blistering start under Farke, hitting the crossbar three times inside the first 10 minutes before taking the lead. However, some lacklustre defending soon cost them and they were 2-1 down at the end of the first half.

In a crazy game in West Yorkshire, the points were shared, but Leeds registered 21 shots on Saturday, while the Teessiders racked up 17 in their win over Swansea.

The Whites have now only kept one clean sheet in their last four at Elland Road, while Boro ended last season in fine scoring form.

They have scored 18 goals in their previous eight matches in the Championship, and three of those came in a 4-3 defeat to Leeds.

United have the greater strength in depth ahead of planned changes, but another lively game is expected.

Last season's games finished 4-3 and 3-2 to Leeds, and another entertaining game is on the cards in the first round of the EFL Cup.

Daniel James to score or assist - 10/11

Farke has hinted that he will rotate, but the German has also claimed he still wants to win Wednesday's tie as he tries to build some momentum.

Winger Daniel James was replaced in the second half against Portsmouth, but he was his energetic self for 70 minutes.

James was one of Leeds' best players last season, scoring 13 goals and grabbing seven assists in 40 appearances.

The Wales international is one of the quickest and hardest-working players in the second tier, and he is likely to start on the right wing.

James will give any full-back a tough game, and he should be able to make an impact at Elland Road.

Number of cards in the match - Over 4.5 - 6/5

To some, this game is considered a rivalry, and there have been some passionate battles over the years.

Four yellow cards were shown at the Riverside in April, while the meeting at Elland Road in December ensured referee Darren England had a busy day at the office.

England dished out nine yellows and one red card in Leeds' 3-2 win over Boro, and over five cards has landed in four of the last eight meetings between the pair.

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Leeds United v Middlesbrough odds

Leeds United - 4/7
Draw - 16/5
Middlesbrough - 17/4

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.