Impressive Leeds United duo have to be close to Championship starts after dynamite cup showing

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Leeds United were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Leeds United on Tuesday night after Stoke City beat them 5-4 on penalties at Elland Road.

The Whites had fought back from two goals behind to force the shootout, but Jack Harrison’s miss ensured misery for boss Marcelo Bielsa.

There were some positives for Leeds, however, and two players, in particular, will surely be giving the club’s boss a headache.

Helder Costa and Eddie Nketiah arrived on loan from Wolves and Arsenal respectively during the summer and both netted for the Whites last night.

Neither loan star has started a Championship fixture yet but both have surely thrown themselves into contention for Saturday’s game with Swansea City.

Both players are capable of lighting up the second tier on their day. Nketiah looks a real player and despite not starting a game yet has three goals to his name.

Patrick Bamford has been in good form up front for Leeds; whilst Bielsa is also blessed with several options out wide.

Costa and Nketiah are born matchwinners, however, and both are long overdue a start in the Championship.

Different options

The Arsenal loanee highlighted exactly the sort of striker he is against Stoke and perhaps showcased where he can be different to Bamford.

A poor clearance from Jack Butland ricocheted off a Stoke defender and Nketiah was like a menace in scooping up the chance and throwing Leeds a lifeline.

Costa headed Leeds level from a Leif Davis cross and was a constant threat down the right-hand side.

Whilst Leeds are top of the league then very few people will be crying out for changes to be made to the team.

The Championship is a long old season, however, and surely it won’t be too much longer before Bielsa hands Nketiah and Costa the chance to impress in the Championship.