Leeds United Under-21s return to Premier League 2 action this afternoon against Liverpool, searching for a second win in as many games to start the new campaign.

Ahead of the 1pm kick off on Merseyside, Scott Gardner has named a strong team to face to Reds, calling on several players who enjoyed a pre-season with the senior squad.

Darryl Ombang retains his position in goal, starting behind a defence of Harvey Vincent, Jonny Howson, Alfie Cresswell, Jayden Lienou and Freddie Lane.

In the midfield, Ollie Pickles is partnered by Rhys Chadwick and they will be providing support for attacking trio Sam Alker, Callum Mills and last weekend’s hattrick hero, Carrick Njinko.

On the bench, Under-18s goalkeeper George Kenyon is joined by defenders Louis Enahoro-Marcus and Louie Philpott, midfielders Loui Whitehead and Josh McDonald, forward Jacob Render and a trialist.

Starting XI: Ombang (GK), Vincent, Lane, Cresswell, Lienou, Howson, Alker, Chadwick, Njinko, Pickles, Mills.

Subs: Kenyon (GK), Trialist, Render, Enahoro-Marcus, Whitehead, Philpott, McDonald.

Liverpool: Hall (GK), Mabaya, Chambers, Pitt, Lucky, Upton, O'Connor, Laffey (C), W Wright, Danns, Figueroa.

Subs: M Wright (GK), Ayman, Cissé, Onanuga, Sonni-Lambie, Bradshaw.