Leeds United travel to Pride Park on Sunday afternoon to begin their 2026 FA Cup campaign against Championship side Derby County.
The Whites arrive in the East Midlands looking to shake off a “cruel” midweek defeat to Newcastle United, which ended a stellar seven-game unbeaten run. While Daniel Farke’s men sit 16th in the Premier League, they face a Rams side currently occupying 12th in the Championship under John Eustace.
Both teams have a historic connection to the trophy, but with Leeds boasting a dominant recent record against their hosts, the pressure is on the visitors to avoid a third-round upset. For Farke, this tie represents a chance to overcome a difficult personal record against Eustace and secure a place in Monday’s fourth-round draw.
Derby County vs Leeds United – FA Cup Preview and Team News
- Date: Sunday, 11 January 2026
- Kick-off: 12:00 GMT
- Venue: Pride Park Stadium, Derby
- Referee: Anthony Taylor
- Last Meeting: Derby County 0–1 Leeds United, 29 December 2024, Championship
Team News
Derby County
The Rams are without top scorer Carlton Morris (knee) and midfielder David Ozoh (thigh). Rhian Brewster is expected to lead the line in Morris’s absence. Additionally, Max Johnston remains out with a long-term hamstring injury, and Owen Beck has returned to Liverpool following a similar issue.
Leeds United
Daniel Farke has confirmed that Karl Darlow is expected to start in goal. While Joe Rodon and Brenden Aaronson are expected to be fit after suffering from cramps against Newcastle, Daniel James remains sidelined for another two weeks with a thigh problem. Sam Byram (back) and Jayden Bogle (calf) are both facing late fitness tests before the trip to Pride Park.
Form
Derby County
Derby have struggled for consistency at Pride Park recently, winning only once in their previous six matches on home soil. They have also historically struggled against Sunday’s opponents, losing six of their last eight matches against Leeds across all competitions, including the last three in a row. Furthermore, the Rams have been eliminated in three of their last four FA Cup third-round ties.
Leeds United
While Leeds have impressed at Elland Road, their away form has been a major concern this season, earning only six points from 11 matches on their travels. Notably, manager Daniel Farke is remarkably winless in his four matches as Leeds manager against John Eustace, recording one draw and three defeats. However, Leeds have progressed from each of their last four FA Cup ties against Derby.
Predicted Lineups
Derby County predicted XI: Widell Zetterström; Langas, Sanderson, Clarke; Ward, Thompson, Clark, Elder; Brereton Díaz, Agyemang, Brewster
Leeds United predicted XI: Darlow; Rodon, Bornauw, Struijk; Justin, Tanaka, Ampadu, Gruev, Guðmundsson; Okafor, Nmecha
How to watch Derby vs Leeds?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 2 and discovery+. Coverage begins at 11:30 GMT.
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