Leeds United U21 team news in Papa John's decider revealed as Gelhardt, Gnonto and Klich start

Leeds’ Under-21 side will be buoyed by the addition of several fringe first-team players in their Papa John’s Trophy fixture this evening. Michael Skubala has named Junior Firpo, Joe Gelhardt, Mateusz Klich and Willy Gnonto in his starting XI, along with right-back Cody Drameh as well as Under-21 standouts Mateo Joseph, Sonny Perkins and Darko Gyabi.

United face Crewe Alexandra, who have already been eliminated from this year’s EFL Trophy and are currently on an eight-game winless run in all competitions. The contest, which kicks off at Gresty Road at 7pm, will see Leeds attempt to qualify for the knockout round of the Papa John’s Trophy for the first time as an Under-21 group.

Victory in 90 minutes will secure passage to the next round, meanwhile victory on penalties after a draw in 90 minutes will also guarantee progression.

Tonight’s fixture also sees the return of Norway Under-21 international defender Leo Hjelde. The teenager has missed the past month after undergoing an appendectomy.

Gnonto, Gelhardt, Klaesson, Firpo and Joseph were all in the first-team travelling party at Anfield last weekend and will likely still be on a high following Crysencio Summerville’s late winner against Liverpool, putting an end to the Reds’ lengthy unbeaten record in home league games.

Perhaps surprisingly, Polish international Mateusz Klich starts for the junior side this evening after playing a minimal role in the first-team setup, lately.

Leeds United U21 starting XI: Christy (GK), Drameh, Moore, Hjelde, Firpo, Gyabi, Klich, Perkins, Gnonto, Gelhardt, Joseph

Subs: Ombang, Miller, McGurk, Allen, Debayo, Snowdon, Spencer