Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Fri 3 April 2026 7:10, UK

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has given fans the exact information they would have wanted ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final clash with West Ham.

Returning from the international break, the Whites are back in action this weekend, as they lock horns with a direct relegation rival for a spot at Wembley.

Leeds have used the competition wisely this season, with wins against Derby County, Birmingham City and Norwich seeing Farke’s side keep momentum amid their ongoing relegation battle.

This time around, though, the level of opposition steps up a gear, with both sides having the chance to directly influence each other in the battle for survival.

Heading into the London Stadium showdown, it seems that the Whites boss will once again take the competition seriously, despite the coinciding league battle.

Daniel Farke and Leeds to continue taking FA Cup seriously

Leeds go into Sunday’s cup tie having stumbled as of late, with the gap at the bottom now almost half of the six-point cushion they carried just over a month ago.

The Whites have struggled for goals, and have looked ponderous in possession – something Farke will hope to reset following the return from the pause.

Speaking at his press conference, the Leeds boss revealed his intentions behind the team set to play at the London Stadium.

“It makes no sense to rest too many players with an eight-day gap until the next game,” he said, suggesting that he will field a “strong starting line-up.”

The Elland Road outfit are one of six Premier League sides in action this weekend, with the division paused for the cup ties.

“An away game at West Ham, relegation battle like us, but have been in the Premier League a lot longer,” added Farke, before outlining that he wishes to take the match seriously for the travelling contingent.

“Many Leeds fans travel,” he said. “We will take this very serious.”

Last at Wembley for the 2023-24 Championship playoff final, Leeds are in with a chance of sending a large number of Whites fans down to London for a big day out later this month, and it could aid their league form in the process.

Daniel Farke is doing the right thing by taking FA Cup seriously

The argument is always there to be made that cup ambitions can hinder a side in the league, particularly given the predicament that Leeds find themselves in at the bottom end of the standings.

Though, they have been able to use the competition as a strong momentum builder since their third-round win against Derby back in January.

The same can also be said for West Ham, who were able to put together a run of form after their respective win against Queens Park Rangers, allowing them to throw themselves back into the survival mix.

For both sides, the chance is there to cause serious damage to the survival hopes of a big relegation rival.

Sunday’s clash does not come with the reward of points, but it would most certainly come with the reward of momentum.

Both the Whites and the Hammers dropped points before the international break, while Nottingham Forest’s 3-0 win against Tottenham changed the landscape of the ongoing battle.

Aiming to get back to winning ways this weekend, Farke is doing the right thing by taking the match seriously, while the obvious Wembley reward will be adored by fans in West Yorkshire.