Saturday 8th February 12:15pm | Elland Road
Leeds United welcome Millwall to Elland Road on Saturday lunchtime for a hotly anticipated FA Cup fourth-round clash. With a place in the last sixteen at stake, Daniel Farke will be keen to maintain his side’s momentum while carefully balancing squad rotation to preserve their promotion push. Leeds currently sit top of the Championship and are on course for 98 points, but with Burnley, Sheffield United, and Sunderland close behind, their league campaign remains the top priority.
Farke is expected to make several changes, with key players set for a rest. Joe Rodon, who has played the most minutes of any Leeds player this season, could be given a well-earned break alongside Manor Solomon, Dan James, and Joel Piroe. In defence, Ethan Ampadu is likely to be partnered by either fit-again Max Wober or January signing Joshua Guilavogui, while Karl Darlow is expected to deputise in goal for Illan Meslier, who will also be rested.
In attack, Largie Ramazani, Wilfried Gnonto, and Mateo Joseph are likely to be drafted in to replace Solomon, James, and Piroe. Pascal Struijk returning from injury could be set for a start with Joe Rothwell and Sam Byram also looking to pickup minutes. Leeds’ only forced absentee is Patrick Bamford, who has struggled with injuries and remains goalless this season.
Millwall, meanwhile, have their own squad concerns but could be boosted by the return of Femi Azeez, who has been out of action since their third-round win over Dagenham & Redbridge. Aidomo Emakhu is also nearing a return, though Liverpool loanee Calum Scanlon and defender Danny McNamara remain sidelined. Alex Neil’s side will likely name a strong starting XI as they look to cause an upset.
Leeds will enter the tie as firm favourites, particularly given their excellent form in the Championship. However, the unpredictable nature of the FA Cup and the expected squad rotation could make for a more competitive fixture than the league standings suggest. Much will depend on how quickly the makeshift Leeds side can gel and whether Millwall’s returning players can make an impact.
With both teams juggling priorities, Saturday’s clash promises to be an intriguing battle. Leeds will look to keep their cup dreams alive while ensuring they don’t derail their Championship ambitions. For Millwall, a win at Elland Road would provide a huge morale boost and a potential springboard for the remainder of their campaign. Whatever the outcome, fans can expect a fiercely contested encounter.
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