Leeds United return to EFL Trophy action for the first time in 10 years this evening when they visit Accrington Stanley at the Crown Ground.
For the first time, though, the Whites will enter the competition as a top-flight outfit and what EFL is describing as one of its invited clubs.
Since 2016, 16 Premier League clubs have been invited to enter an under-21 side to play in the competition with all 48 of the first teams from League One and League Two.
Tonight it is Accrington, but next month the Whites will visit Barrow and then Blackpool in November in this group stage where each side plays it each other once.
The rules are tight on selection both for the under-21 sides and first teams. EFL does not want its clubs fielding weakened sides, while the Premier League outfits are restricted from including too much experience.
It remains to be seen who will be managing United’s under-21s from the dugout after Carlos Corberan’s July exit, but Marcelo Bielsa is sure to have the final say on team selection.
EFL asks at least six of the starting XI were under 21-years-old on June 30 of this year, while no more than two players can have been over 21 on June 30 with 40-plus first-team appearances to their name.
With many players still away on international duty, it limits the options United may have used for those two experienced slots.
Adam Forshaw, who last played on September 28 of last year, would be an ideal candidate for minutes in this game, but it’s unclear where he is at with his recovery.
Tyler Roberts or Helder Costa may be other candidates for minutes, but would Bielsa be willing to risk either when time on the training field is so valuable ahead of Saturday.
They stand out because of the pitch time they have had to share with each other in last week’s friendlies.
The likes of Luke Ayling, Barry Douglas, Patrick Bamford, Kiko Casilla, Pablo Hernandez and Jack Harrison have all seen enough action in those friendlies to believe they don’t need a top-up at Accrington.
Robin Koch and Rodrigo are back from international duty, but will surely need to devote their efforts to time on the training field with Bielsa rather than giving up another evening to playing a match.
Ian Poveda, Pascal Struijk, Robbie Gotts, Leif Davis, Jamie Shackleton and Oliver Casey all qualify as under-21 players in this competition.
Jordan Stevens, Elia Caprile, Joe Gelhardt, Charlie Cresswell, Jack Jenkins, Cody Drameh and Sam Greenwood may be the safest bets for tonight’s game.
