Michael Skubala takes his Leeds United U21s side to Norwich City this afternoon as they go in search of their first points of the year. The young Whites have struggled for form since the World Cup break, losing both of their Premier League 2 Division 2 outings and surrendering their spot at the top of the table as a result.
The loss to Nottingham Forest at Meadow Lane at the start of the month was tough to take, as was the late defeat to West Bromwich Albion last time out. However, they’ll be looking to bounce back this afternoon with a result over the Canaries at the Lotus Training Centre in Norfolk.
Norwich claimed a draw at Thorp Arch earlier in the year and they currently sit in fifth, five points behind the Whites. As such, Leeds know they will be tested this afternoon and they are expected to travel with a weakened squad.
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Jesse Marsch’s first-team travel to Accrington Stanley on Saturday afternoon in the FA Cup fourth round and it remains to be seen how many changes the head coach will make. However, the likes of Sonny Perkins and Mateo Joseph may well be involved in the squad and that might see them ruled out of today’s game with Norwich.
Skubala will be without Cody Drameh, too, after seeing him join Championship side Luton Town on loan for the remainder of the season. As such, changes are expected to be made this week against Norwich.
Kristoffer Klaesson appears to be the most likely candidate between the sticks at present. The Norwegian isn’t expected to feature against Accrington and while he may have aspirations of a loan move himself over the final days of the window, he might have to make do with a run out with the U21s for now.
With Drameh on the move, Cian Coleman might be the man asked to play at right-back. The 18-year-old is a midfielder by trade, but he can play at right-back, as he did in the 4-2 win over Newcastle United just before the break.
Jeremiah Mullen and James Debayo are expected to keep their spots in the side, while Kris Moore did a fine job at left-back last time out. Charlie Crew has started the U21s' last two and looks at home at the level, despite being just 16, meaning he is expected to keep his spot.
He could play alongside Darko Gyabi, but that's dependant on Marsch's plans for the former Manchester City man. Charlie Allen picked up an injury last time out against the Baggies and might not be involved, meaning we could see much-changed front four at Norwich.
Amari Miller missed the last game through illness, but he’ll be keen for the chance to impress, as will Joe Snowdon, who penned professional terms with the club earlier this month. Sean McGurk caught the eye at times on the left against West Brom and he’ll be expected to keep his place in the side.
With Perkins and Joseph potentially involved at senior level, there is a hole to fill at the top of the field and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Under-18s' top goalscorer Ben Andreucci step in. The Scotland Under-19 international has scored five goals this season, including the winner in the FA Youth Cup third round against Accrington, and he may well be one of the options considered by Skubala.
Predicted Leeds United U21s line-up: Kristoffer Klaesson; Cian Coleman, Jeremiah Mullen, James Debayo, Kris Moore; Charlie Crew, Darko Gyabi; Amari Miller, Joe Snowdon, Sean McGurk; Ben Andreucci
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