Michael Skubala has named an extremely strong Leeds United Under-21s side to take on Southampton this evening at Elland Road. The Whites don’t have a first-team match this weekend following the postponement of their clash with Manchester United and Jesse Marsch has given the green light for a host of senior faces to represent the youth side this evening.
Wilfried Gnonto will make his first appearance for Leeds tonight following his deadline day move from FC Zurich and he’ll be keen to make an impression in front of a sizeable crowd of over 9,000. Patrick Bamford makes his first start since injuring his groin against the Saints first-team last month.
The striker has featured a couple of times off the bench since picking up that injury, but he’ll be keen to secure some much-needed minutes this evening. The same can be said for Liam Cooper, who will make just his second outing of the campaign after struggling with a troublesome Achilles issue.
Read more: Leeds United U21s v Southampton U21s LIVE: Build-up and team news from Elland Road
Luke Ayling and Junior Firpo have also dropped down to pick up much-needed game time and it will be Firpo’s first game since picking up an injury in the pre-season clash with Blackpool in July. Crysencio Summerville features for the U21s for the second time this season, while Leo Hjelde also drops down.
Darko Gyabi keeps his spot in the middle of the park, while Sonny Perkins will be looking to continue his record of scoring in every appearance he has made for the Whites this season.
Leeds United U21s: Kristoffer Klaesson; Luke Ayling, Liam Cooper, Leo Hjelde, Junior Firpo, Darko Gyabi, Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville, Sonny Perkins, Patrick Bamford, Wilfried Gnonto
Subs: Harry Christy, Charlie Allen, Kris Moore, Keenan Carole, Mateo Joseph
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