Leeds United expect a bumper crowd at Elland Road this evening as the young Whites take on arch-rivals Manchester United U23s. The Whites are currently engaged in a relegation battle of their own, much like the first-team, but a valuable three points this evening would go a long way to securing top tier U23 football once again next season.
Leeds' youngsters are looking to avoid an immediate return to Premier League 2 Division 2. The Whites were champions of that division 11 months ago, but have been detrimentally affected by injuries to several first-team players this season.
As a result, key U23 personnel have been drafted in at first-team level, rendering the U23 side weaker, often relying on U18 players instead. This evening, though, Leeds have named a surprisingly strong starting XI in an attempt to defeat arch-rivals Manchester United U23s.
The Whites were beaten 3-2 by tonight's opponents earlier this season, courtesy of two goals from £20 million attacker Amad Diallo. The Ivorian will play no part this evening, as he has joined Rangers on loan for the remainder of the season.
On the other hand, Leeds name several of Sunday's first-team substitutes in the starting XI tonight, including Sam Greenwood, captain Charlie Cresswell, Lewis Bate and Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville.
In excess of 10,000 spectators are anticipated at Elland Road tonight, with 8,000 tickets sold for the miniature derby as of yesterday.
Everton's PL2 attendance record of 16,935 is very much in sight given the magnitude of Tuesday evening's fixture, but may ultimately be out of reach.
Here is the full Leeds United U23 line-up and substitutes to face Manchester United U23s.
XI: Klaesson, Shackleton, Cresswell, Kenneh, McCarron, Bate, Jenkins, McKinstry, Summerville, Greenwood, Dean
Subs: Van den Heuvel, Miller, Gray, Moore, Allen
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