Eight Leeds United Under-23s who could feature in the FA Cup against Crawley Town

Leeds United’s FA Cup clash with League Two outfit Crawley Town this weekend could open up the possibility of first-team football for a number of Under-23s.

The Whites have an opportunity to rotate and give competitive minutes to their fringe players or upcoming youngsters – which Bielsa has often used in cup competitions – against the Red Devils.

The likes of Ian Poveda, Helder Costa, Kiko Casilla, Pablo Hernandez, Jamie Shackleton and Tyler Roberts – if available – may start alongside some of Mark Jackson’s developing stars.

But which of those Thorp Arch academy products could be in line to feature? Here’s a look at a few of those available to Leeds ahead of this weekend’s Cup action.

Leif Davis (21)

The 21-year-old just about still qualifies for this list.

Davis is a regular in Bielsa’s match-day squads and has made two fleeting appearances in the Premier League this season.

He can play as a left-back or a central defender – but it would be good to see him get a full run out in his more natural wing-back position.

Davis has pace to burn and a good performance would only aid any claims for more minutes in the top flight.

Sam Greenwood (18)

Following his arrival in the summer from Arsenal it hasn’t taken the front man long to make an impact at Thorp Arch.

If whispers are to be believed then Bielsa has been keeping a close eye on him and his development.

Greenwood has six goals in eight appearances for the Under-23s side this season, bagging the September Premier League 2 player of the month award in the process.

He has dropped back into an attacking midfield role of late in the development squad, but is somewhat of a poacher in front of goal having displayed impressive form.

A run out against Football League opposition would be of huge value.

Joe Gelhardt (18)

A name Leeds fans were extremely excited about when he put pen to paper on a move from Wigan last summer.

‘Joffy’ hasn’t disappointed with his form and a test against Crawley could be the perfect chance to see him in a more challenging environment.

Five goals and two assists in nine appearances as an attacking midfielder has seen him adjust quickly to his new surroundings and he’s struck up a developing partnership with Greenwood already.

A player who people are very excited about – and rightly so.

Cody Drameh (19)

His signature was seen as a major coup for Leeds, as he arrived from Fulham in the summer. Drameh has slotted into the development side seamlessly and has shown good capability playing as both a right-back and central defender in a three-man defence.

He has proved himself to be very capable in one v one situations and, similarly to Davis, loves to get forward down the flank – utilising his pace to cause problems in the final third.

Charlie Cresswell (18)

Cresswell has turned into a leader at the back for the Under-23s – claiming the armband is something which has appeared to come naturally. A towering figure at the age of just 18 and a vocal one as well, if the EFL Trophy tie at Blackpool in November is anything to go by.

A ball-playing central defender who doesn’t shy away from a challenge or a header, striking up a strong understanding with academy partner Olly Casey.

He struggled in his senior debut against Hull City – as did many that night – in the League Cup in September but another test and chance to learn would do him no harm.

Jack Jenkins (18)

A player who keeps cropping up in Bielsa’s senior squads.

Jenkins has been deployed as the anchor in front of the back four in the Under-23s, which has allowed him to show off impressive passing ability whilst sweeping up and breaking play.

He goes about his business quietly but is someone Leeds fans should be excited about – driving runs and an ability to also play a little further forward has seen his stock rise, he’s also very good with the ball at his feet.

Oliver Casey (20)

Has come through as a central defender, which is where he plays his best stuff.

Was selected in the Kalvin Phillips role against Hull City in the League Cup in September but it didn’t quite work as planned and he was swiftly replaced.

Hasn’t let that stop his development, though, putting in a number of impressive performances in the heart of defence alongside Cresswell.

Very similar to his partner, good in the air and prefers the ground game to aimless long balls.

Niall Huggins (20)

Someone who seems to fly under the radar in the development squad.

Huggins is a clever and shrewd player, having been deployed as a wing-back in the Under-23s.

Quick, versatile, a great dribbler and likes to get forward - signed a new deal last month and was named in a senior squad for the first time recently.

A place on the bench or even some minutes wouldn't go amiss.