Leeds United Under-21s take on Southampton on Friday evening as they look to continue their unbeaten start to the Premier League 2 Division 2 season.
Here’s a look at some of the talking points going into that clash at Elland Road.
First-team minutes
With no first-team fixture to concern themselves with this weekend, Jesse Marsch has allowed a number of senior players to step down to the youth ranks to pick up some much-needed game time. Patrick Bamford is perhaps the headline name as he continues to rebuild his fitness following the groin injury he suffered last month.
The striker has made two appearances off the bench since picking up the problem, but a run out against Southampton’s B team will certainly help to keep him ticking over while he waits for the first-team’s next outing against Aston Villa on October 2. Luke Ayling and club captain Liam Cooper look set to be involved, too, as they return from their own injuries, while Junior Firpo may well get his first run out of the campaign.
For Cooper, this will only be his second appearance of the season after featuring against Barnsley in the Carabao Cup. However, he will be in contention to start against Steven Gerrard’s side next month and an appearance against the Saints may just help him blow any cobwebs off.
Eyes on Firpo
Firpo hasn’t seen a minute of competitive action this season after picking up an issue during the pre-season friendly clash with Blackpool in York back in July. It was less than ideal after an injury-hit first year at Elland Road, but he’s on the comeback trail now and he’s set to make his first appearance of the campaign for the under-21s.
He’ll be keen to impress, too, as he competes with Pascal Struijk and reclaim the left-back spot in the side. Firpo is by no means guaranteed a place, particularly after struggling for form in the Premier League last time around, but as Leeds’ only recognised left-back, Marsch and the fans will be keen to see him take strides forward and fulfil the potential he possesses.
As such, while his game time is likely to be managed, there will be a focus on how Firpo fares on his return.
Gnonto debut
Leeds fans are yet to catch a glimpse of the striker Leeds moved to sign on transfer deadline day, but Gnonto is expected to make a debut of sorts this evening. The Italy international has been training with the first-team and while Marsch’s short-term plans are still unknown at this stage, it seems he could find himself competing for a spot in the senior environment.
Michael Skubala is excited to be able to use him and it seems he has already made an impression on the U21s boss with his attitude and ability catching the eye. Gnonto’s experience suggests he will take tonight’s outing in his stride and he’ll certainly be determined to mark the occasion with a goal, of that there is no doubt.
Unbeaten start
The Whites have certainly made a statement of intent with their start to the Premier League 2 Division 2 season, winning three of their opening four games and scoring 14 goals along the way. Five goals have been scored against Derby County and Nottingham Forest, with a draw against Norwich City being the only blemish on their superb record.
Mateo Joseph and Sonny Perkins have been the stars of the show so far, bagging four each, while the likes of Darko Gyabi, Archie Gray and Jeremiah Mullen have caught the eye, too, helping to ensure the Whites have put their front foot forward. Interestingly, Southampton have matched Leeds’ point haul so far, claiming hefty wins over Forest, West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City, with their only draw coming against the Canaries, too.
Three points would certainly put Leeds in the driving seat and Skubala will hope the crowd and first-team faces will help them over the line.
Bumper crowd
As of Thursday morning, 9,000 tickets had been sold for the clash at Elland Road and the hope was that number could tick over 10,000 before tonight’s kick-off. The club smashed the Premier League 2 attendance record last April as more than 21,000 attended their clash with Manchester City.
However, for some of the younger players set for involvement on Friday night, playing in front of such a large crowd will be a new experience and how they handle that will be intriguing. The presence of senior men will certainly help, though, and it promises to be a great atmosphere.
