Gelhardt tipped to be handed Leeds United debut tonight – Whelan
Noel Whelan claims Joe Gelhardt may finally be handed his Leeds United debut against Crewe Alexandra tonight.
The former Whites attacker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, admitted he is expecting Bielsa to make a raft of changes from the weekend’s draw with Everton.
Leeds face Crewe in the second round of the Carabao Cup at Elland Road tonight.
The League One side most recently lost 1-0 to Accrington Stanley.
As such, Leeds are expected to rotate their team before facing Burnley at Turf Moor next weekend.
Gelhardt, 19, has been on the periphery of the Leeds first team since the end of last season and even featured on the bench in some Premier League games.
He scored on Monday evening as Leeds Under 23s lost 4-2 to Tottenham’s youth side and Whelan claims Gelhardt may make his senior bow just 24 hours later.
“You would like to think tonight is finally it,” Whelan told Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs.
“The progression from the 23s to the first team into the cup competitions open the door to make changes.
“It gives those young players and firing players who might not be fully fit the chance to get minutes under their belt.
“I think there will be plenty of changes tomorrow, I expect to see some of the 23s involved.
“Also the players who haven’t played 90 minutes in the Premier League yet.
“I’m looking forward to it. I’m excited about seeing the young players and the players we signed in the summer.
“I want to see a cup run this season and the opportunity is there.”
In other news, Phillips: Bamford made up Tottenham link to leverage Leeds into handing him new contract.