Leeds United Under-21s Begin 2026/27 Season Against Stoke City

Leeds United’s Under-21s launch their 2026/27 campaign tonight with a Premier League Cup clash against Stoke City Under-21s, and the first teamsheet of the season has a fresh, purposeful feel to it.

Kick-off at Newcastle Town is set for 7pm, with Robbie Cook trusted in goal for the opener.

Starting Lineup

In front of him, Leeds line up with a back three of Jacob Howard, Louis Enahoro-Marcus and Jonny Howson, offering a solid spine for what looks a bold, attacking setup. Width will come from the flanks, where Freddie Lane and Louis Philpott are tasked with providing energy on both sides of the ball.

Ollie Pickles wears the armband and anchors the midfield alongside Sam Chambers, a pairing that will be central to dictating the tempo in what can often be frantic early-season cup ties.

Ahead of them, Harvey Vincent, Sam Alker and Carrick Njinko form a lively front three, charged with setting the tone in the final third and getting Leeds’ season up and running in style.

Bench Options

On the bench, coach options include George Kenyon, Jacob Render, Loui Whitehead, Josh McDonald, Kenneth Mensah and a Trialist, giving Leeds flexibility to change the picture as the night develops.

Starting XI: Cook (GK), Lane, Philpott, Howard, Enahoro-Marcus, Howson, Vincent, Pickles (C), Njinko, Chambers, Alker.