Mark Jackson’s Under 23s side play their first match of the 2021/22 Premier League Cup on Wednesday evening, when they host Wigan Athletic. The match will be played at York City’s LNER Community Stadium, getting underway at 7pm.
The Whites are in Group E of the competition, with Mansfield Town and Sunderland being the other two opposition teams in the group of four. Those two teams have already played, with the Stags running out comfortable 3-0 winners in the opening match.
The cup competition is split into eight groups of four teams, where each team within the group will play one another home and away. From there, the top two teams will progress into the knockout stages of the competition which are all one-off knockout ties, with extra-time and penalties if needed.
The current holders of the Premier League Cup are Everton, who were crowned champions in 2018/19. For the last two years, the the competition has either been curtailed or hasn’t taken place, due to the pandemic.
Wigan’s U23s side play in the Professional Development League North, and have had three matches up to this point. Peter Murphy's side will come to take on the Whites, looking to put in a strong display.
Many of the Latics side who could possibly be lining up on the night could be from the successful 2020/21 U18s side, who were crowned champions of the Professional Development League North.
Jackson’s side sit fourth in Premier League 2 Division 1 having won two and lost once, in their opening three matches. However, with many of the usual squad being away on international duty, a much-changed side is expected on the night, with opportunities being given to younger players.
For a full list of Under 23s fixtures, please click here.
What has Mark Jackson said, ahead of the game?
“It’s a cup game which will give us a chance to put in a few of the younger players. We have always had that in our minds going into the competition that it was a perfect opportunity to have a look at a few of the younger players, and it will be a big test for them. That’s what we’re about, testing our players, pushing them and giving them opportunities.
“We’re looking forward to the game against a strong Wigan side, who play good football and have had a lot of success in their Under 18s last year. It will be a tough game and one where we can learn a lot about our younger players.”
Top scorer:
Leeds: Sam Greenwood, Crysencio Summerville, Joe Gelhardt (2)
Wigan: n/a
How to watch online:
Kick-off is at 19:00. The match will be streamed on LUTV and there will be live updates right here on our blog, throughout.
The match is available to all LUTV subscribers on video.leedsunited.com and on the Official Leeds United app.
Ticket prices:
Ticket Information:
