Naivety and stupidity would let Andrew Taylor believe he’ll have Joe Gelhardt, Crysencio Summerville and the rest with Leeds United’s under-23s on Friday night, but he’s badly lacking in those traits. Their absence from the crunch match at Elland Road would still be a big success in Taylor’s book, even if it did weaken his own side.
More than 16,000 tickets had been sold as of Tuesday night for the Premier League 2 match with Manchester City, but with 72 hours between then and kick-off there are big hopes United will break the division’s attendance record. Leeds will have home advantage, a cracking atmosphere, a desperate need for three points and the best opposition in the country, but they are likely to be under strength.
Three days later, Jesse Marsch’s first-team unit will be at Crystal Palace and preparing for their first match in 16 days. A win in Croydon would all but guarantee safety from relegation and Taylor is fully aware there’s little chance risks will be taken with the talents the American needs.
