Derby vs Leeds Preview - A thrilling clash in the FA Cup.

Leeds United are considered the favorites in their FA Cup away match against Derby County, thanks to their impressive head-to-head record and a 100% unbeaten run according to expert predictions. The match will take place at 7:00 PM on January 11, 2026, at Pride Park Stadium, where the home team Derby are hoping for an upset against their long-standing rivals.

Analyzing the current context and form

Entering this match, both Derby County and Leeds United are in the process of thoroughly preparing their squads. Notably, current season statistics show that neither team has yet played any official matches, creating a mystery regarding their actual form on the pitch. However, class and squad depth are often key factors in knockout cup matches like this.

Statistics for the home team Derby

• Number of matches played: 0 matches
• Record: No wins, draws, or losses
• Goal scoring performance: 0.0 goals/match
• Defensive performance: 0.0 goals conceded/match

Statistics for the away team, Leeds United

• Number of matches played: 0 matches
• Away record: Not yet played
• Goal scoring performance: 0.0 goals/match
• Defensive performance: 0.0 goals conceded/match

Head-to-head history: Leeds' dominance

The head-to-head history in the last 5 matches heavily favors Leeds United. Specifically, the away team has won 3 matches, drawn 1, and lost only once against Derby. Notably, in the two most recent encounters at the end of 2024, Leeds kept a clean sheet and won convincingly.

• December 30, 2024: Derby 0 - 1 Leeds
• 07/12/2024: Leeds 2 - 0 Derby
• July 19, 2020: Derby 1 - 3 Leeds
• September 21, 2019: Leeds 1 - 1 Derby
• May 16, 2019: Leeds 2 - 4 Derby

Team situation and tactical predictions

In terms of personnel, both Derby and Leeds have their strongest squads available, with no serious injuries or suspensions reported. This allows both coaches to field their best players to realize their tactical plans.

Based on in-depth analysis, the home team Derby's chances of winning are rated as low at 0%. Meanwhile, the scenario of the match ending in a draw or a win for Leeds United is evenly split at 50% for each. This indicates that Leeds holds complete control before kick-off.

Expert opinion

With their superior head-to-head record and confident mindset going into the match against Derby, Leeds United are likely to control the game from the start. However, the nature of a cup match at Pride Park always holds the potential for surprises if the home team plays with focus. The most sensible advice for this match is a double-chance scenario: a draw or a Leeds win.

Team lineup updated at 18:23 on 11/01/2026

Official lineup

Todd

Diagram: 4-4-1-1

CoachJohn Eustace

Starting lineup:

• 1. Jacob Widell Zetterström (G)
• 23. Joe Ward (D)
• 6. Sondre Klingen Langås (D)
• 4. Danny Batth (D)
• 3. Craig Forsyth (D)
• 25. Ben Brereton Díaz (M)
• 27. Lewis Travis (M)
• 29. Oscar Fraulo (M)
• 11. Corey Blackett-Taylor (M)
• 42. Bobby Clark (F)
• 15. Lars-Jørgen Salvesen (F)

Substitutes:

• 12. Richard O'Donnell
• 35. Curtis Nelson
• 20. Callum Elder
• 14. Andreas Weimann
• 18. David Ozoh
• 37. Owen Eames
• 32. Ebou Adams
• 7. Patrick Agyemang
• 10. Rhian Brewster

Leeds

Diagram: 3-4-1-2

CoachDaniel Farke

Starting lineup:

• 26. Karl Darlow (G)
• 23. Sebastiaan Bornauw (D)
• 4. Ethan Ampadu (D)
• 15. Jaka Bijol (D)
• 29. Wilfried Gnonto (M)
• 44. Ilia Gruev (M)
• 22. Tanaka Pond (M)
• 20. Jack Harrison (M)
• 10. Joël Piroe (F)
• 19. Noah Okafor (F)
• 14. Lukas Nmecha (F)

Substitutes:

• 1. Lucas Perri
• 24. James Justin
• 5. Pascal Struijk
• 25. Sam Byram
• 8. Sean Longstaff
• 18. Anton Stach
• 42. Sam Chambers
• 11. Brendan Aaronson
• 9. Dominic Calvert-Lewin