U21s Fixtures Announced

After topping the Professional Development League Two North under Steve Beaglehole last term, the young Foxes now have the opportunity to step up once again as the Club’s vision to create a long-lasting legacy of home-grown talent under the Elite Player Performance Plan’s (EPPP) begins to take shape. 

Organised by the Premier League, City’s young stars will mirror Nigel Pearson’s first team by getting the new league season underway with a trip to Middlesbrough before facing off against Sunderland, Chelsea and Liverpool.

City’s participation is a direct result of its highly regarded status under the EPPP after months of hard work by staff at the Academy, meaning its players can now test themselves against the best young professionals in the country.

Following on from 2012/13’s success, which also saw a host of the Under-21s squad scoop the prestigious Hong Kong Soccer Sevens title, the group will have an even stronger platform for progression in the Barclays Under-21 Premier League, which replaced the old format of reserve football in 2012.

Last season Manchester United’s Development Squad, including former City loanee Michael Keane, took the crown thanks to a 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the final.

The Foxes are set to host the champions on Monday 3 February, as well as being drawn to face runners-up Spurs, Chelsea, West Ham, Newcastle, Arsenal and Everton on the road.

Under EPPP rules, clubs will be permitted to field three overage (over 21) outfield players in fixtures next season, plus one overage goalkeeper, and with a minimum of four fixtures to be played at the main stadium of each club, there are sure to be plenty of exciting tests in store.

The Foxes are set to play a total of seven U21s fixtures at King Power Stadium in the upcoming campaign – against Sunderland, Liverpool, Stoke City, Blackburn Rovers, Manchester United, Manchester City and Everton.

In a new format, all teams will face each other once over the course of the campaign, with the top four teams then advancing to the semi-finals.

Supporters are advised that all dates, kick-off times and venues are provisional and are subject to change. All changes will be announced on LCFC.com

Remaining Barclays Under-21 Premier League Fixtures

March

Mon 24 – Reading (H) – Ricoh Arena, 7pm

Mon 31 – Wolverhampton Wanderers (A) – Molineux Stadium, 7pm

April

Wed 9 – Everton (H) – King Power Stadium, 7pm

Mon 14 - Arsenal (A) - Boreham Wood, 7pm

Wed 23 – Manchester City (H) – King Power Stadium, 7pm

W/C Sat 26 – Semi-Final

May

W/C Sat 3 - Final