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

Leeds United’s Under-21s launch their 2026/27 campaign tonight with a Premier League Cup trip to face Stoke City Under-21s, and the first teamsheet of the season is already pinned to the dressing-room wall.

Robbie Cook gets the nod in goal, trusted as the last line of defence for the curtain-raiser.

In front of him, Leeds line up with a back three of Jacob Howard, Louis Enahoro-Marcus and Jonny Howson, a compact unit tasked with setting the tone for the new campaign. Out wide, Freddie Lane and Louis Philpott provide the width, operating as the wing-backs and expected to shuttle relentlessly between both boxes.

The armband goes to Ollie Pickles, who anchors the midfield and leads the side on opening night. He’s joined in the engine room by Sam Chambers, with the pair looking to control the tempo and feed an energetic front line.

Harvey Vincent, Sam Alker and Carrick Njinko form the attacking trio, a blend of movement and industry charged with landing the first blows of the season.

On the bench, head coach staff can turn to George Kenyon, Jacob Render, Loui Whitehead, Josh McDonald, Kenneth Mensah and a Trialist if the game demands fresh legs or a change of shape.

Kick-off at Newcastle Town is at 7pm, as Leeds’ next generation step into a new season with a clear shape, a named leader, and an early chance to make a statement.

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