Leeds United U21s will be in Papa John’s Trophy action this evening as they head to Cheshire to take on Crewe Alexandra. There’s plenty riding on the fixture and Michael Skubala’s side could secure their spot in the knockout stages of the competition, should they see off the League Two outfit.
However, a draw could be enough to send the Whites through, too. Ahead of the match at Gresty Road, Leeds Live takes a look at the state of play in the Northern Group B and explains what Leeds must do tonight.
What’s the current state of play in Leeds United U21s' Papa John’s Trophy group?
Bolton Wanderers have already won the group and cannot be caught by the Whites this evening. Ian Evatt’s side sealed their qualification with their 3-0 win over Leeds a fortnight ago and they sit on seven points, two points and a position above Tranmere Rovers.
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Leeds are third in the group, having picked up three points for their 5-3 win over Tranmere at Prenton Park in October. As such, they know a win in Cheshire tonight would be enough to send them through.
Crewe are bottom of the group and cannot qualify for the next round after losing both their group stage games so far.
Could a draw be enough to send Leeds United U21s through?
Yes. Despite being two points behind Tranmere, Leeds could rise above the Merseyside outfit even if they were to draw against Crewe.
Tied games are decided by penalty shootouts in the Papa John’s Trophy, with the winner being awarded a bonus point. Here’s where it gets complicated, though.
Both Leeds and Tranmere currently have a goal difference of -1, but having scored a goal more, the League Two club would progress if the game at Gresty Road finished goalless. Only a score draw would be enough for the Whites.
A 1-1 draw would see Leeds progress on the back of their head-to-head record with Tranmere, while a 2-2 draw would see United through on goals scored.
Which teams have already secured their spot in the Papa John’s Trophy knockout stages and who could Leeds United U21s play?
Everton U21s, Morecambe, Bolton, Port Vale, Wolves U21s, Salford City, Accrington Stanley, Lincoln City, Barnsley, Mansfield Town, Manchester United U21s, Barrow, Burton Albion and Bradford City have all secured their spots in the next round.
If Leeds were to progress they be group runners-up, meaning they would be drawn against a seeded group winner. As it stands, Burton, Man United U21s, Everton U21s, Lincoln, Salford and Port Vale are the available options, with one of Mansfield, Grimsby Town or Manchester City U21s to progress as group winners from Group F.
When will Round Two be played?
Round Two will be played on November 30, during the World Cup break, while round three will be played on December 14, the quarter-finals will be on January 11, the semi-finals on February 1 and the final will be played at Wembley Stadium on March 19.
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