admin“Have work to do”- Chris Sutton deliver BLUNT Leeds United verdict ahead of Derby County FA Cup clash
Leeds United head to Pride Park to face Derby County in the third round of the FA Cup as they attempt to spark a cup run, having already exited the EFL Cup earlier this season.
The Whites currently sit 16th in the Premier League, eight points clear of the relegation zone, and appear well placed to secure top-flight survival.
With that in mind, Daniel Farke’s attention is likely to remain firmly on league matters, raising questions over how much emphasis Leeds will place on progressing in the FA Cup.
Farke is expected to rotate his squad heavily for the trip to Derby, and pundit Chris Sutton has made a bold prediction about the outcome of the tie.
Sutton predicts FA Cup upset at Pride Park
Sutton has been full of praise for Leeds’ recent form, highlighting his admiration for Farke and the job he has done in steadying the club this season.
Despite that, the former striker believes an upset could be on the cards, anticipating wholesale changes from the Leeds boss and a Derby side ready to take advantage on home soil.
Sutton feels Leeds will struggle to replicate their Premier League intensity with a largely second-string side taking to the pitch.
Speaking on BBC Sport, he said:
“Leeds have been terrific recently and, as regular readers will know, I’m delighted for their manager, Daniel Farke, and how he has turned the narrative around his future.
“I can see Farke making plenty of changes here because, while he would love a cup run, he knows there is still work to be done to keep Leeds in the Premier League.
“That’s why I’m backing Derby to cause an upset. They are improving all the time under John Eustace, and while Leeds will be confident after the last few weeks, I’m not convinced they will match the same intensity with a rotated side.”
Where does the FA Cup rank for Leeds?
In recent seasons, Leeds have largely been focused on promotion or survival, with cup competitions often taking a back seat.
Avoiding relegation is once again the main objective, and there was little concern among supporters when the club exited the EFL Cup early in the campaign.
Farke is expected to hand opportunities to squad players such as Joel Piroe and Sebastiaan Bornauw at Pride Park. While Leeds may appear stronger on paper, a dip in intensity is likely with several regular starters rested.
Sutton’s prediction of a Derby victory may not be far off, and an early FA Cup exit would not cause major alarm at Elland Road. Fewer midweek fixtures could allow Leeds to fully focus on league preparation.
While supporters may dream of a cup run, survival remains the overriding priority, and stretching a relatively thin squad could ultimately do more harm than good.
admin
