More silverware could be on the way for Leeds United's exceptional crop of under-23s.
Having already won their division Professional Development League and qualified for the play-offs, they’ve also gone deep into the Premier League Cup, with regular games against teams that compete at a higher level.
They’re through to the semi-final stage now, going up against Newcastle for a place in the final. The game takes place on Tuesday 23rd April, with kick off at 7pm at Guiseley FC’s Nethermoor Park, with all tickets - over 2,500 - sold out.
The club has advised that there will be no additional sales on the day.
How did they get this far?
Leeds recovered well in the Group Stage after a shaky start, winning every game on home soil and the last three games in a row to qualify in the top spot.
They’ve actually played Newcastle’s U-23s twice already, losing 2-0 up in Tyneside in the Autumn but recovering to win the return fixture 3-1, with a brace from Ryan Edmondson. That result saw Leeds leapfrog the Magpies and move up to the top spot in the group.
Since then, they’ve navigated two rounds of knockouts, memorably beating Fulham on penalties after a 2-2 draw before coming through the quarter-final with a routine 3-1 win at Burnley.
With one quarter-final still to play, a place in the final would see Leeds play one of Blackburn, Everton and Swansea.
Key men
Ryan Edmondson
The prolific 17-year-old striker has caught the attention of Marcelo Bielsa and been touted for big things. His goals have been a major part of the league title and getting this far into the competition.
“He has made a very good improvement from the beginning of the season until today,” said Bielsa. More senior opportunities could follow next season.
Mateusz Bogusz
The young Pole, who was brought in midway through this season, has been a revelation operating from the number ten position. With physical prowess and composure on the ball, he’s an immensely exciting prospect.
Last week he provided a lovely finish on the counter to score on the break as Leeds were under the cosh against Crystal Palace. Bags of pace and power.
Izzy Brown
It looks increasingly likely that the Chelsea loanee’s entire contribution for the senior side this season will be one touch and one yellow card as he was brought on as a late substitute as Leeds lost to QPR.
But he’s been more than handy for the U-23s, cropping up with several important goals. No doubt frustrated with a lack of first-team opportunities, Brown will return to Chelsea in the summer. But at the very least he’s put the horror injury that saw him miss almost the entirety of 2018 behind him.
How to follow the match
If you were not one of the 2,500 fans able to get their hands on a ticket for the match, then you can still follow the action from home.
Leeds United will stream the match on their app, but if you are unable to access that we will have full coverage here on LeedsLive via our dedicated live blog.
Leeds fans will be hoping that after a bruising Bank Holiday weekend, they will have something to cheer about on Tuesday evening.
