Leeds United Under-21s get their Papa John’s Trophy campaign underway this evening as they take on League Two Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park. The Whites will play three games in the competition over the next few weeks with trips to Bolton Wanderers and Crew Alexandra on the schedule, too, as they aim to progress through Group B and into the knockout stages.
Michael Skubala is expected to have a strong team to choose from tonight, with Jesse Marsch suggesting that Joe Gelhardt could be involved. Gelhardt hasn’t had a minute of game time since the 5-2 loss to Brentford in September and was overlooked for selection on Sunday.
As such, the 20-year-old could be involved, alongside a number of other more senior names, as Leeds look to make the most of the fixture. With that in mind, here’s how the U21s could line-up tonight.
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Goalkeeper: Joel Robles
The former Everton and Wigan Athletic custodian hasn’t featured at any level in a Leeds shirt yet, but his experience could be key as the young Whites face off against a senior side for the first time this season. Harry Christy and Kristoffer Klaesson are other options for Skubala, with the former keeping a clean sheet against Stoke on Friday night.
Right-back: Cody Drameh
Drameh starred at right-back against Stoke and he could be given the nod once more in Merseyside as he looks to get some much-needed minutes under his belt.
Centre-backs: Kris Moore and Leo Hjelde
Hjelde recently made an appearance for Norway U21s, but he isn’t likely to be involved next Sunday at Palace and he would undoubtedly benefit from the challenge of playing against men. Moore could be set to keep hold of his spot in the heart of defence, too, after a sturdy performance against the Potters.
Left-back: Harvey Sutcliffe
Sutcliffe is usually seen on the right side of defence but he looked comfortable on the left in York in the absence of Keenan Carole. He got forward well and handled everything Stoke threw his way to help the Whites to a 4-0 victory.
Centre-midfield: Darko Gyabi and Sam Greenwood
Greenwood is another first-team player who needs minutes after watching the entirety of Sunday’s game against Villa from the bench. The midfielder has only played 28 minutes of Premier League action so far this season and he may be keen to keep sharp ahead of this week’s trip to Crystal Palace.
Gyabi has been one of the top performers in the U21s side this season and he’ll be keen to test himself against the League Two side.
Right wing: Sonny Perkins
He's found the back of the net in his first six games for Leeds and this could be his biggest test yet as he aims to force his way into the first-team picture. The forward has featured on the right on a number of occasions this season and he could do the same at Prenton Park, allowing him to cut inside and attempt to make things happen.
Left wing: Sean McGurk
He’s been in and out of the side this season, but he looked the part against Stoke and may keep hold of his spot, especially with Archie Gray being out injured with a fractured toe.
Secondary striker: Joe Gelhardt
To say he’s been given a point to prove by Jesse Marsch would be an understatement, after seeing Wilfried Gnonto get the nod over him for the bench on Sunday. He’ll be determined to impress against Tranmere and send a very clear message to the head coach.
Centre forward: Mateo Joseph
After his hat-trick against Stoke, it’s only fair that he keeps hold of his striker spot, with Gelhardt able to play in behind him. The Spaniard has eight goals to his name this season so far and adding to that tally against Tranmere’s first-team will only bolster his confidence moving forward.
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