The death of Queen Elizabeth II led to the postponement of Monday night’s Premier League meeting with Nottingham Forest and the policing operation required for Her Majesty’s state funeral has forced the calling off of Sunday’s visit to Old Trafford.
Beyond this weekend lies a two-week international break, giving Leeds a 29-day break in total from competitive fixtures.
With no top flight action scheduled until October 2, when Leeds face Aston Villa, Jesse Marsch is using Friday’s Premier League 2 second tier clash with Southampton to give a quartet of senior players some much needed minutes.
Ex-Whites defender Tony Dorigo believes the 21s game or any behind-closed-doors friendlies Leeds can muster will be vital to keep players sharp.
"I think what is important is somehow getting that high intensity 90 minutes or 75 minutes into the boys' legs as often as you can,” he said.
“Whether it's behind closed doors friendlies or games amongst themselves or even the Under 21s fixtures, something will have to be done.
“You can't just keep training because mentally that's tough. Physically, there's nothing quite like a game, and obviously it won't be exactly the same but it's the best you're going to get in the circumstances.”
Leeds are hopeful of a bumper crowd on Friday night, with 9,000 tickets sold already.
The 21s will be back in action on Tuesday night in EFL Trophy action at Crewe Alexandra’s Mornflake Stadium and then host Stoke City Under 21s in the league on Friday September 30, at York Council’s LNER Stadium.
With no top flight action scheduled until October 2, when Leeds face Aston Villa, Jesse Marsch is using Friday’s Premier League 2 second tier clash with Southampton to give a quartet of senior players some much needed minutes.
![The 16-year-old has had a somewhat stop-start experience since the pre-season tour of Oz, with that short-lived ankle problem and then a virus earlier this season, but he is likely to get his fourth PL2 start of the season in midfield next to Gyabi.](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjBlNTkzNzU0LTYxODEtNDRmMy05MzkxLWIxOTFjOTE0MGFiZDpmNGE5MDEzYS0wYzdmLTQ4ODAtOWFlMS03NzA5NWI5YjI5MzQ=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
7. Archie Gray
The 16-year-old has had a somewhat stop-start experience since the pre-season tour of Oz, with that short-lived ankle problem and then a virus earlier this season, but he is likely to get his fourth PL2 start of the season in midfield next to Gyabi. Photo: George Wood
![A shining light with five goals in four PL2 games so far, the ex-West Ham United attacker is one to watch for Leeds fans at Elland Road. Will want to continue his fine start to the season.](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjE0YTk3YmYxLWM1MWQtNDBjZS04M2VmLTVmMjRkNThjYmViMDo2YTA2MDFmYi04MDkyLTRlYzYtOTU5Yi04OWRjNGVjYmU3ZGE=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
8. Sonny Perkins
A shining light with five goals in four PL2 games so far, the ex-West Ham United attacker is one to watch for Leeds fans at Elland Road. Will want to continue his fine start to the season. Photo: LUFC
![Michael Skubala has confirmed that the club's deadline day signing from FC Zurich will be involved against Saints. Leeds fans will be keen to see what the 18-year-old Italian international can do.](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmMzYzgyOGRmLTEwNjgtNGVmNS1hN2Y1LTY2NjUwNDQ2ZDM3YjpmYTQxYTdiZS00ODlmLTRiZWEtYmQ4NS0xMWViOTgyYjJlZjk=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
9. Willy Gnonto
Michael Skubala has confirmed that the club's deadline day signing from FC Zurich will be involved against Saints. Leeds fans will be keen to see what the 18-year-old Italian international can do. Photo: Claudio Villa
![If Skubala goes with a 4-2-3-1 then it will be between McGurk and Charlie Allen for the left winger role. McGurk has often caught the eye with his quick feet, while Allen, a central midfielder, shone in this role in the first half against Forest.](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjlhNzdjMDVkLWJhN2QtNGY3MS04ZmQ0LTc4ODMwZjU0Mzc2ZDoyMjJjZmVkYy0zNzMwLTQ0ZmItODI1ZC00ZDE5Njc0NTM2N2U=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
10. Sean McGurk
If Skubala goes with a 4-2-3-1 then it will be between McGurk and Charlie Allen for the left winger role. McGurk has often caught the eye with his quick feet, while Allen, a central midfielder, shone in this role in the first half against Forest. Photo: George Wood
![The centre-forward came off the bench against Brentford and got himself in dangerous positions. He's in dire need of match fitness but Leeds will be cautious given last season's story.](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjRjZDFkNGI2LWYyMWMtNDFmOC1hMGU5LWFmYzZkMmFmMjE0ODoxOGY2MTYxZS00ZjI3LTRlNzktYjg1YS0yM2I2Yjc2MTRhMDg=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
11. Patrick Bamford
The centre-forward came off the bench against Brentford and got himself in dangerous positions. He's in dire need of match fitness but Leeds will be cautious given last season's story. Photo: Steve Bardens