Leeds United vs Middlesbrough preview - New boys set for Leeds bows

Posted Friday, August 15, 2014 by PA

Leeds head coach David Hockaday hopes to add new signings Billy Sharp, Liam Cooper and Guiseppe Bellusci to his squad for the home game against Middlesbrough.

Striker Sharp, plus central defenders Cooper and Bellusci arrived this week and could make their debuts in the Whites' first home game of the season, although the latter's appearance is subject to international clearance.

Hockaday will be without summer signing Gaetano Berardi, who starts a three-game ban following his dismissal on his first appearance for the club in the midweek Capital One Cup win against Accrington.

Defender Sam Byram, midfielder Rudy Austin and goalkeeper Marco Silvestri are all expected to return after missing Tuesday night's win, but Aidy White (ankle) and Lewis Walters (knee) are out.

New-boy Adam Clayton could make his Middlesbrough debut after the midfielder joined from Huddersfield earlier this week.

But the game is likely to come too soon for Spanish defender Damia Abella as he attempts to finalise a move to Teesside after being released by Osasuna.

Manager Aitor Karanka, who took charge for the first time in the corresponding fixture - a 2-1 defeat - in November last season, otherwise has few selection issues.

Long-term absentees Rhys Williams (Achilles) and Muzzy Carayol (cruciate ligament) remain on the recovery trail but are still some months away from returns.