Attack the best form of defence for Cooper - (2025)

Leeds United (6/5 – To Be Promoted) captain Liam Cooper says they will attack Derby from the first minute at Elland Road as they look to book their place in the Championship play-off final on Wednesday evening.

The West Yorkshire outfit sealed a 1-0 victory over the Rams in the first leg meeting at Pride Park on Saturday.

Kemar Roofe, who will miss Wednesday’s second leg due to injury, netted the only goal of the game to put Leeds in the driving seat for the return game at home.

Leeds boast three victories over Derby across all competitions this season and are now expected to see the job through on home soil.

Cooper insists they won’t change their approach, despite holding a 1-0 advantage, and has promised they will go out to attack their opponents.

“If we go into this game thinking we have to protect a lead we will be our own worst enemy,” Cooper said.

“So we go to win the game. We’ll commit men forward, we’ll attack as we always do and the best team over the two legs will go through.”

In the absence of Roofe, Patrick Bamford (11/10 – To Score Anytime) will return to the starting XI after missing the first leg due to suspension.

Cooper has no concerns about the former Middlesbrough man’s involvement and claims the team take confidence from Bamford’s self-belief.

He added: “There’s no worries about Pat being fit and we all know what he can do.

“He’s got this unbelievable confidence about him. If he misses chances he always knows he’s still going to score.

“It’s a weird confidence, but a good one to have in the team and we take from that as well.”

The winner of the tie will take on Aston Villa, who beat West Brom on penalties on Tuesday, in the final at Wembley on May 27 for a place in the Premier League.

Odds subject to change.