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

Leeds United 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 is already on the board.

Robbie Cook gets the nod in goal, trusted to anchor a youthful side in the opener.

Defensive Line

In front of him, Leeds line up with a back three of Jacob Howard, Louis Enahoro-Marcus and Jonny Howson, offering a blend of composure and physical presence at the heart of defence. Out wide, Freddie Lane and Louis Philpott are tasked with providing the width, expected to shuttle up and down the flanks from the first whistle.

Midfield

The armband goes to Ollie Pickles, who will try to set the tone in midfield. He partners Sam Chambers in the engine room, a pairing that will be central to how aggressively Leeds can impose themselves.

Forward Line

Ahead of them, there’s a lively-looking front three. Harvey Vincent and Sam Alker line up alongside Carrick Njinko, giving Leeds pace and movement in the final third as they look to start the group stage with a statement performance.

Substitutes

On the bench, head coach options include George Kenyon, Jacob Render, Loui Whitehead, Josh McDonald, Kenneth Mensah and a Trialist, offering cover across the pitch if the game tightens or legs begin to fade.

Kick-off at Newcastle Town is at 7pm, as a new season and a new campaign for Leeds’ youngsters begins to take shape.

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