Leeds United visit Birmingham City in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday lunchtime in a bid to advance to the next round of the competition.
Due to Leeds’ league status being in jeopardy, it is likely that Daniel Farke will make changes to his lineup that started in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge midweek to rest players and prevent risk of injury to key players.
Formation – 3-5-2
It is likely that Farke will stick with his newly adopted 3-5-2 that has been the foundations of Leeds’ upturn in winter form. This is because he will be keen to provide minutes to players that haven’t yet played much in the new system to allow them to have a greater impact in league matches.
Goalkeeper – Lucas Perri
A summer signing from Lyon, Lucas Perri has already found himself behind Welsh international Karl Darlow in the pecking order after starting the season as Daniel Farke’s number one.
Sunday’s game will be a good opportunity for the Brazilian to prove his worth and try stake his claim to regain his spot in the team following a disappointing start to the season.
Right Back – Sam Byram
Sam Byram has seen his minutes greatly reduced this season following promotion back to the top flight.
However, the manager values his presence in the squad, meaning Sunday may be an opportunity for Byram to start and get some minutes and build his match fitness in preparation for a squad role for the remainder of the Premier League campaign.
Centre Back – Sebastian Bornauw
Since changing to a back three, summer signing Bornauw has impressed when called upon, being aerially dominant as well as calm on the ball.
Birmingham City will be key for Bornauw to keep his positive momentum following recent performances, with Bijol, Rodon, and Struijk competing for his place in the side.
Centre Back – Ethan Ampadu
A stalwart in Farke’s side since his £7m arrival from Chelsea in the summer of 2023, Ampadu has been described by Farke as ‘the most important player’ and is pivotal to everything that Leeds do.
With centre back being light in depth and high-quality depth in midfield, it is plausible to suggest Ampadu dropping in the middle of the back three and dictate play from deep like he has done in the past two seasons for Leeds.
Centre Back – Joe Rodon
The Welsh warrior has been a rock at the back so far this season, establishing a strong connection with Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk which has seen Leeds defensively solid operating with the three at the back formation.
With recent injuries to both Pascal Struijk and Jaka Bijol, it is likely both will be rested at the weekend, with Rodon retaining his place in the side.
Left Back – James Justin
When Justin signed for Leeds in the summer, the transfer was met with doubts from sections of the fanbase as he was part of a Leicester side that were relegated back to the Championship.
However, Justin has been excellent, operating across the defence at left back, right back and even centre back so far this season – proving to be a key asset to Daniel Farke.
Due to a lack of depth at left back, it is likely that Gabi Gudmundsson will be rested for this match and Justin to deputise on the left flank in his absence.
Central Midfield – Ao Tanaka
After an impressive maiden season at Leeds, Ao Tanaka has found himself down the pecking order after the signings of Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff, as well as Ilia Gruev’s form which has made him had to drop recently.
After a strong performance in the last round of the FA Cup vs Derby County, Tanaka will have another opportunity to showcase his abilities and make a case to regain his position in Daniel Farke’s starting lineup.
Central Midfield – Sean Longstaff
After a strong start to life at Leeds, Longstaff suffered a small set back which enabled Ilia Gruev to solidify his place in the team, leaving the former Newcastle man on the bench and on one occasion even out of the matchday squad.
The visit to St Andrews will be a good opportunity to get minutes and try make his way back into the team following an injury to German midfielder Anton Stach.
Attacking Midfield – Facundo Buonanotte
Leeds’ sole addition in the January window, Buonanotte is yet to start for Leeds after making two substitute appearances vs Everton and Arsenal and was even left out of Farke’s matchday squad that defeated Nottingham Forest 3-1 at Elland Road.
The FA Cup tie against Chris Davies’ Birmingham City side is a perfect opportunity for the Brighton loanee as he looks to establish himself amongst the squad with the hope that he can relive some pressure off Brenden Aaronson who has been Leeds’ key playmaker so far this season.
Striker – Joel Piroe
Joel Piroe has endured a difficult at season which has seen him drop to third choice behind December’s Player of the Month Dominic Calvert-Lewin and summer arrival Lukas Nmecha.
He was subject to a lot of noise surrounding a potential exit from Elland Road which never materialised as Piroe believes he is good enough at Premier League level following his golden boot winning promotion campaign.
As a result, Sunday’s clash is a perfect opportunity to rest Calvert-Lewin and allow Piroe to prove his worth to the manager in a bid to earn more minutes in the Premier League this season.
Striker – Lukas Nmecha
Following his arrival as a free agent in the summer, Lukas Nmecha has proved to be prolific so far this season after making several cameo appearances from the bench which has resulted in important goals especially against Everton and Fulham.
After a crucial goal midweek at Stamford Bridge, Nmecha will be looking to continue his strong run of form as he continues to compete for a place in the team with Dominic Calvert-Lewin.