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The Whites head to Fleetwood

A look into our pre-season fixture.

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Leeds United play their third match of pre-season when they travel to face Fleetwood Town on Friday 30th July, 7pm kick-off.

The hosts will begin their League One season the following weekend, so they will have embarked on an intense pre-season campaign by the time Marcelo Bielsa’s side arrive.

After making the play-offs in the curtailed 2019/20 campaign, Fleetwood had an indifferent season last time out and finished 15th in the table.

Who is in charge of Fleetwood Town?

A manager who needs to no introduction to Leeds fans is Simon Grayson, who has been in charge of The Cod Army since January 2021.

Having represented United as both a player and a manager, the promotion winning campaign of 2009/10 lives long in the memories of all supporters under Simon’s stewardship.

Now with Fleetwood, Grayson is tasked with finishing as high as possible with a side that have never played in the second tier of English football.

A player to watch?

Jay Matete will be a player to watch at Fleetwood Town in the upcoming campaign, and beyond. The forward burst onto the scene last season when on loan with League Tow side, Grimsby Town. Matete couldn’t save the Mariners from relegation, but he showed his qualities and will now be looking to bring that to Fleetwood’s starting XI.

A possible reunion?

Alex Cairns is a regular between the posts for The Cod Army. The goalkeeper came through the ranks at Elland Road and made his first team debut in the 2011/12 campaign under Simon Grayson, who he has now linked back up with. Cairns arrived at Fleetwood in 2016 and is now approaching the 200 appearance mark on the Fylde Coast.

What happened last time we met at Ewood Park?

Fleetwood Town 2 (Holloway 13, Hunter 111)

Leeds United 2 (Antonsson 89, Wood 94 pen)

Leeds win 5-4 on penalties.

An EFL Cup first round tie saw the Whites equalise late in the game, before also finishing level after extra-time. A penalty shoot-out was needed for Leeds to progress into the next round.

Where do they play?

Highbury Stadium is Fleetwood’s modern home! The ground has a capacity of 5,327 and it takes its name by being located just next to Highbury Avenue. The ground was opened in 1939, but has seen extensive redevelopment over previous years which has aligned with the club rising up the league pyramid.

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