Leeds United U21s return to action this afternoon as they take on Newcastle United at the club’s Thorp Arch training base. The Whites are currently five points clear at the top of the Premier League 2 Division 2 table and they’ll be keen to maintain their unbeaten record this afternoon.
Changes are expected at first-team level this week, with the club taking on Wolves in the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday night and that means Michael Skubala may be limited in his selection this afternoon. However, the Whites are still expected to field a strong side this afternoon and here’s how they could line-up.
With the trip to Molineux fast approaching, it seems Harry Christy could keep his spot in goal for the U21s. Kristoffer Klaesson and Joel Robles will be hoping to be involved on Wednesday night and therefore Christy may have another run out after keeping a clean sheet and saving a penalty in the shoot-out at Crewe Alexandra last Tuesday.
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Cody Drameh could be involved against Wolves, too, but if he isn’t in Jesse Marsch’s plans he’ll definitely take on the Magpies this afternoon, while Leo Hjelde could also have a role to play as he continues his return from appendix surgery. Morten Spencer and Kris Moore have been regulars at the back for the U21s this season.
Mateo Joseph was named on the first-team bench for the very first time on Saturday and he could also be part of Marsch’s Cup squad on Wednesday night. The Spaniard is currently the U21s' top scorer with 12 goals to his name this season and, if he plays this afternoon, his game time may be managed.
The same could be said for Darko Gyabi and Sonny Perkins, who aren’t considered to be far away from the first-team picture. Alfie McCalmont missed out last Tuesday at Gresty Road, but he could step back into the side today, alongside Charlie Allen and Sean McGurk.
Predicted Leeds United U21s: Harry Christy; Cody Drameh, Morten Spencer, Kris Moore, Leo Hjelde; Alfie McCalmont, Darko Gyabi; Sonny Perkins, Charlie Allen, Sean McGurk; Mateo Joseph.
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