Huddersfield Town will welcome Leicester City to the John Smith’s Stadium on August 13, 2025, in an eagerly anticipated first-round clash of the EFL Cup. Kick-off is set for 21:45pm, with both sides entering the tie in fine early-season form.
This match offers a classic cup storyline League One underdogs hosting Championship promotion hopefuls. Huddersfield, fresh from a strong league start, will be eyeing a statement win against higher-division opponents, while Leicester will be keen to avoid becoming the latest victims of a cup upset in a round that has already claimed several bigger sides.
Match Preview
Huddersfield have made an ideal start to life in League One, opening with a dominant 3-0 win over Leyton Orient and a convincing 2-0 victory away at Reading. The Terriers’ pre-season was less spectacular, but their league form has been clinical.
Leicester also began their Championship campaign with a 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday and enjoyed a solid pre-season, highlighted by wins over Fiorentina, Karpaty, and Zalaegerszeg. Their only blemish came in a 3-1 defeat to FC Cologne.
Historically, Leicester have dominated this fixture, winning all five of the most recent meetings, including a 4-1 victory in their last encounter. Huddersfield have not beaten the Foxes in over a decade, adding to the scale of the challenge ahead.
Team News
Huddersfield have minimal injury concerns, with only Marcus Harness a doubt. Sean Roughan, who recovered from an opening-day knock, could feature. Summer signings Marcus McGuane, Leo Castledine, and Murray Wallace are yet to make their debuts but may be handed minutes in this fixture.
Leicester’s squad is undergoing changes due to financial constraints, with notable departures including Wilfred Ndidi, Conor Coady, and goalkeeper Mads Hermansen. In goal, Jakub Stolarczyk started the league opener, but veteran Asmir Begovic could make his debut. Injuries continue to sideline Ricardo Pereira, Victor Kristiansen, Bobby De Cordova-Reid, and Harry Souttar.
Where to Watch
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports+, part of Sky’s sports coverage package. The platform will showcase over 1,000 EFL games throughout the season, offering fans extensive access to live football action.
Huddersfield’s confidence and home advantage give them hope of overturning the odds, but Leicester’s experience and recent dominance in the fixture suggest the visitors enter as favourites.
