Leeds United U21s will be targeting Papa John’s Trophy progression this evening when they travel to Gresty Road to take on Crewe Alexandra. Michael Skubala’s side have lost just once this season and they’ll be keen to showcase their talents by seeing off another League Two team.
The Whites have already beaten Tranmere Rovers, winning 5-3 at Prenton Park last month, before losing comfortably against a strong Bolton Wanderers side a fortnight ago. A win would guarantee Leeds a spot in the knockout stages this evening, but a score draw could also be enough if Leeds were to win the resulting penalty shootout and pick up two points.
Skubala will look to name a strong side this evening and one or two experienced names might be involved, too. Kristoffer Klaesson looks set to make his fifth appearance for the U21s this evening as he looks to keep himself sharp.
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The Norwegian has been omitted from Jesse Marsch’s last two matchday squads in favour of Joel Robles and he’ll be keen to send a reminder of his abilities by performing well in Cheshire. Cody Drameh looks likely to make another appearance at right-back, where he has excelled since dropping down earlier this season.
Morten Spencer, James Debayo and Kris Moore will probably keep their spots in the back line but that could depend on the fitness situations of Jeremiah Mullen and Keenan Carole, who picked up injuries in September.
Darko Gyabi should line up in the middle once more and it seems he will partner either Alfie McCalmont or Charlie Allen in that deeper role. Allen has shown impressive form over the last few weeks and he’ll be keen to test himself against the senior outfit.
Where Allen plays, though, may well depend on how strong Skubala is allowed to in attacking areas. It’s worth noting Sam Greenwood will miss the game through suspension after his straight red against Tranmere last month.
However, having watched the entirety of Saturday’s win over Liverpool from the bench, it’s a fair assumption to make that Joe Gelhardt could be involved and Wilfried Gnonto could make an appearance, too, after finally making his first-team debut at Anfield. The Italy international got 18 minutes of action in Merseyside, but he did have a role to play in the build-up to Crysencio Summerville's winner
Mateo Joseph and Sonny Perkins will be involved once more and they’ll be looking to add to their combined total of 20 goals this evening.
Predicted Leeds U21s XI: Kristoffer Klaesson; Cody Drameh, Morten Spencer, James Debayo, Kris Moore; Darko Gyabi, Charlie Allen; Sonny Perkins, Joe Gelhardt, Wilfried Gnonto; Mateo Joseph
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