Stoke City Under-21s open their Premier League Cup group stage with a home clash against Leeds United U21s. The match, held at The GRG Stadium in Newcastle-under-Lyme, marks the start of a competitive season for both teams. Leeds, who finished 25th in Premier League 2 last season, will look to improve after a productive pre-season, while Stoke aim to build on their 17th-place finish in the Championship (55 points, 15W-10D-21L) and a recent run of five consecutive losses (LLLLL).
What’s at stake in this U21 showdown?
The Premier League Cup offers young talents a platform to shine, with progression to the knockout rounds a key target. Stoke’s U21s will face Stockport County and Charlton Athletic in their group, while Leeds’ squad includes players who trained with the first team during pre-season. Last season’s 1-1 draw between the sides in 2024 sets the stage for another competitive encounter.
How to follow the action
The match kicks off at 7pm at The GRG Stadium (Buckmaster Avenue, ST5 3BX). Entry is free for supporters, and live coverage is available on LUTV for subscribers. LeedsUnited.com will provide live blog updates, with highlights and post-match reaction to follow.
What’s next for Stoke City’s youth team?
After this fixture, Stoke’s U21s will turn their attention to the next group-stage match, with ambitions of advancing further in the competition. The club’s recent form (0W-0D-5L) adds urgency to secure positive results in the cup.
