Graeme Murty has named a strong starting XI for Sunderland U21s in his first game in charge. The Black Cats' new Lead Professional Development Phase Coach will give nine first team squad players an opportunity for vital minutes.
Dennis Cirkin will continue his recovery from injury, starting against the Whites. Trai Hume, Bailey Wright, Edouard Michut, Abdoullah Ba, Jay Matete, Jewison Bennette, Leon Dajaku and Amad Diallo all start against the unbeaten league leaders.
Leeds United have Premier League experience in their ranks with Joe Gelhardt and former Sunderland youngster Sam Greenwood. The Whites have made a blistering start to the season and look like the team to beat - Italy international Wilfried Gnonto also starts for Leeds this evening.
READ MORE: Sunderland U21s vs Leeds United U21s LIVE
SAFC XI: Carney, Hume, Wright, Johnson, Cirkin, Michut, Ba, Matete, Bennette, Dajaku, Amad
Subs: Richardson, Thompson, Kachosa, Newall, Burke.
Leeds United : Klaesson, Drameh, Spencer, Moore, Sutcliffe, Gyabi, Greenwood, Perkins, Gelhardt, Gnonto, Joseph
Subs: Christy, McCalmont, Allen, McGurk, Miller
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