The Emirates FA Cup third-round draw has handed Leeds United a familiar yet testing challenge — a trip to face Derby County at Pride Park. For Daniel Farke’s side, it is an opportunity to progress in the competition while navigating one of the busiest weeks of the season, which also features league fixtures against Liverpool, Manchester United, and Newcastle.
00:00The Emirates FA Cup third round draw has handed Leeds United a familiar yet testing challenge,
00:08a trip to face Derby County at Pride Park.
00:11For Daniel Farker's side, it's an opportunity to progress in the competition while navigating one of the busiest weeks of their season,
00:18which also features Premier League fixtures against Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle.
00:25Derby, currently a championship side, are no pushovers.
00:28They have shown resilience at home and boast a manager, John Eustace,
00:33who has enjoyed impressive results against Farker, winning three, drawing one and losing just once in five previous encounters.
00:41Leeds' league meetings last season saw the Whites complete a double over the Rams, winning two nil at Ellum Road and one nil at Pride Park.
00:49Despite that, the FA Cup is famously unpredictable and knockout football often defies previous four.
00:56Leeds' recent FA Cup history has been mixed.
00:58The club's greatest triumph came in 1972 and they haven't reached the finals decades earlier, yet in recent seasons they haven't progressed past the fifth round.
01:08This strong showing against Derby would not only advance them in the competition, but also provide a morale boost in a season where Premier League survival remains the priority.
01:17I wouldn't label a home game, even against the top sides, for us, more difficult than, for example, an away game against a side who is not the favourite.
01:28And also for that, I take each and every point.
01:31We know in the end we need nine wins, perhaps, to stay in this league.
01:35We need in the end.
01:35Farker may need to rotate his squad to manage the fixture congestion, adding another layer of intrigue to the tie.
01:43Yet a focused and motivated performance could see Leeds carve out a memorable Cup run, reignite supporter optimism and remind everyone of the club's proud tradition in knockout football.
01:55When the Whites step onto Pride Park in January, it will be more than just another game.
02:01A win could set the tone for the weeks ahead, offering momentum, confidence and the chance to relive the magic that the FA Cup has provided to Leeds United over generations before them.
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