Leeds United U21s return to Papa John’s Trophy action this evening as they take on Bolton Wanderers at the University of Bolton Stadium. The Whites saw off League Two Tranmere Rovers in style a fortnight ago and they can give their hopes of progressing from Group B an enormous boost this evening with a result.
However, the Whites are underdogs going into this one and they’ll certainly be challenged by Ian Evatt’s side, who are currently pushing for promotion from League One. Michael Skubala will have a strong side to choose from this evening, but the first-team’s trip to Leicester City on Thursday night may be taken into account when selecting his team.
Sam Greenwood is suspended following his red card at Prenton Park, while Harvey Sutcliffe will not be involved, either, after rupturing his ACL in the 1-0 win over Sunderland last week. As such, Skubala will make changes this evening, but he'll also be keen to see his unbeaten side tested once more this week.
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With Kristoffer Klaesson set to deputise for Illan Meslier at the King Power Stadium later this week, he probably won’t be involved against the Trotters and that opens the door for Harry Christy to reclaim his spot between the Whites’ sticks. Cody Drameh may well be the man chosen at right-back for the fourth straight U21s outing, with Morten Spencer and Kris Moore the likely centre-back pairing inside him following their impressive showings at the Stadium of Light.
With Sutcliffe out and Keenan Carole recovering from injury, Alfie McCalmont might be the man asked to play at left-back, as he did against Nottingham Forest back in August. Charlie Allen has been in fine form of late and he should be in the running to partner Darko Gyabi in the middle of the field and provide the base for a front four that have been firing on all cylinders of late.
Sonny Perkins has spent a majority of his time at Leeds on the right, with Mateo Joseph set to lead the line in the number nine role. Sean McGurk could be given the chance to impress on the left, as he did against Stoke City last month, and that would provide the opportunity for Wilfried Gnonto to play his preferred secondary striker role through the middle.
Gnonto was omitted from the first-team squad to face Arsenal on Sunday and after bagging his first goal for the U21s last week, he may be given the opportunity to keep himself ticking over at Bolton.
Predicted Leeds U21s side: Harry Christy; Cody Drameh, Morten Spencer, Kris Moore, Alfie McCalmont; Darko Gyabi, Charlie Allen; Sonny Perkins, Wilfried Gnonto, Sean McGurk; Mateo Joseph
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