Leeds United's busy end to August set to hand Jesse Marsch with squad depth test

The depth of Leeds United’s squad is set for its first real test of the season as they face four games in nine days before the end of August. The Whites begin their Carabao Cup campaign later this month, while three more Premier League matches are also scheduled.

Chelsea are Leeds’ first fixture of the run and will provide Jesse Marsch with a real acid test as to how far his side have come at the start of this season. Leeds lost all 12 matches against the so called ‘big six’ last term, conceding 47 goals in the process.

They will certainly be looking to put up a much better fight against the league’s powerhouses this time around and Chelsea will be the first chance to do that. Leeds will then face a quick turn around for their Carabao Cup second round match with Barnsley at Elland Road, and that game is likely to hand Marsch the opportunity to hand some fringe players the chance to impress.

Cody Drameh, Leo Hjelde, Sam Greenwood, Mateusz Klich, Adam Forshaw, Crysencio Summerville, Luis Sinisterra and Joe Gelhardt will all be hopeful of a start. Leeds then conclude the month with two fixtures they will view as good opportunities to obtain points from.

Another long trip to the South Coast awaits as they face Brighton & Hove Albion, who have enjoyed a strong start to the season. Pointless Everton are then the visitors to Elland Road in their final game of August.

Where Leeds are at the end of this month could give us a better idea as to how this season could pan out. Building on the positive start is imperative for Leeds to avoid falling into the same traps as last term.