Three Leeds wonderkids who could get their chance vs Birmingham after postponement update
Leeds manager Daniel Farke will have more options than usual for the FA Cup fourth round clash with Birmingham City.
Farke is expected to make significant changes to his side, with the main priority being on Premier League survival as the business end of the campaign arrives.
With the Under-21s clash with Manchester United being postponed, he may decide to select some of the Elland Road side’s best talents to give senior players a rest.
Here, MOT Leeds News looks at who could be handed a rare opportunity to impress at St Andrews’ on 14 February.
Alfie Cresswell
Alfie Cresswell seems like the most obvious candidate, as he is the captain of the Under-21’s side, which suggests that he has the leadership required to step up to the first-team.
The 18-year-old signed a new contract in September that should keep him at Thorp Arch until 2028 at the very least.
He is primarily a centre midfielder but can also play across the backline, and has notched four goals and two assists in 19 appearances so far this season.
| Stats | Cresswell |
| Matches | 19 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 2 |
The promising talent is yet to make his debut for the first team, despite playing 50 times for the Under-21s.
Sam Chambers
Sam Chambers is another potential call-up, as he was on the substitutes bench for the 3-1 win over Derby County in the third round of the competition.
The 18-year-old signed a professional deal with the Whites in March 2024, and made his senior debut in the Championship clash with Plymouth Argyle in November of the same year.
He is yet to expand on that single appearance, and has featured seven times for the Under-21s so far in this campaign, with one assist.
Jayden Lienou
Jayden Lienou joined the Whites’ academy from Manchester City in the summer, signing a three-year deal with the club.
The left-back has slotted straight into Scott Gardner’s side, making 20 appearances for the team, with four yellow cards to his name.
It would be a huge show of faith in the potential that he has, if Farke was to call upon him for the clash with Championship opposition.
Only time will tell.
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