Leeds United fixture headache awaits at Elland Road after youngsters set up Manchester City tie
Leeds United Under-18s defeated Millwall in a thrilling tie on Thursday (4 April) to set up an FA Youth Cup final showdown with Manchester City.
The ten-and-a-half thousand who attended the fixture at Elland Road were rewarded and played their part as the youngsters got the job done.
That incredible support, despite the bad weather, was a just reward for Rob Etherington’s side in what has been a brilliant cup run.
FA Youth Cup final date
Having already defeated Liverpool, Leeds now face another almighty test as heavyweights City stand between themselves and cup glory.
The fixture is due to be hosted by City, who boast one of the best academies around right now, by May 4.
That is a Saturday, which would naturally draw a higher gate than a midweek night game would on the face of it.
However, that is the same day that the Championship season concludes, meaning most Leeds fans will be at the Southampton game.
Man City’s senior side are due to be home to Wolves that day, but that fixture may well be moved from its current 3pm slot.
Rob Etherington reacts to Leeds United win v Millwall
Both clubs therefore need to work together to find a date that suits both parties and ensures as many eyes as possible are on the fixture.
Etherington said as much post-match, in fact, as quoted by Leeds Live [5 April].
“Speaking for myself, I think the club would back [a fixture date change],” Etherington said.
“We want as much focus and as much pressure on the players as possible. So if we could avoid that day, we probably could do that.”
The Leeds youngsters have earned the right to be the centre of attention for the Man City tie. Let’s just hope common sense prevails.
In other Leeds United news, a Sky Sports host has shared his prediction ahead of the Coventry City match.
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