Leeds United Under-21s go will play their final group match of the Papa John’s Trophy on Tuesday evening, taking on Sky Bet League Two side Crewe Alexandra away from home.
The Whites go into the match with qualification to the knock-out stages in their own hands, knowing that a win will be enough on the night to see them safely through as runners up.
Bolton Wanderers sit top of Northern Group B and can’t be caught, meaning they are already through. However, Tranmere Rovers are in second spot at the minute and they will be waiting on the outcome of the clash at The Mornflake Stadium to see if they progress or not.
For Michael Skubala’s side it is simple – win the game and they progress. But, a draw could also be enough if Leeds then go on to win the resulting penalty shoot-out, which will take place if the match ends level – thus awarding the winner a bonus point, meaning both teams have five points.
If the second scenario happens and the teams both end on five points, the following rules come into play:
If two or more Clubs are equal on points on completion of the Group Matches, the following criteria are applied in the order given to determine their rankings:
We’ve got to go and win it. We’ve got to go out to get three points and get through. I think we did well the first game to get the win, then lost the second game. We’ll go out full blast to try and win again.”
Tuesday’s hosts can’t qualify. Defeats against both Tranmere and Bolton means that they are bottom of the group and unable to progress any further in the competition. They can overcome Leeds though, with a win and a turn around in goal difference.
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With qualification on the line, we predict that Skubala will make two changes to the side that started the 4-2 victory over Middlesbrough U21s in the Premier League 2 back on October 22.
The first alteration comes in the back four, with the £3.4m-rated Leo Fuhr Hjelde – who has recently returned to fitness after undergoing an appendectomy operation.
replacing Kris Moore at left-back, with the 18-year-old moving into a central defensive position alongside Morton Spencer – who replaces James Debayo – while the £3.4m-ratedDrameh remains at right-back.
