Credit: Breaking Media

Cameron Smith

Fri 24 April 2026 12:10, UK

Leeds United have the chance to put the finishing touch to their season on Sunday when they face Chelsea in a mouth-watering FA Cup semi-final.

The Whites have used this competition shrewdly throughout the campaign, with kind early draws against Derby County, Birmingham City and Norwich City helping them build momentum alongside their fight for Premier League survival.

Daniel Farke’s side have carried themselves with impressive professionalism and are now poised to enjoy the reward, with more than 30,000 supporters expected to make the trip back to the capital, after a shootout win against West Ham secured their spot at this stage.

Awaiting them is a Chelsea side still reeling from the dismissal of Liam Rosenior, whose tenure was brought to an end after five successive league matches without a goal or a point.

Although the Blues may draw some short-term lift from Callum McFarlane taking charge until the end of the season, Leeds will travel south with genuine belief that after a fine year, they can deliver another statement performance.

Daniel Farke to err on side of caution with FA Cup rotation

West Yorkshire’s finest have been a joy to watch in the cup this season, living up to the standard set by manager Daniel Farke, who has made no secret of how seriously he expects his side to treat the competition.

With their top-flight status all but guaranteed, there is now a real sense of occasion about what lies ahead. Players and supporters alike can savour the moment, knowing a place in the final is within touching distance.

On the team news front, Farke may opt for slight rotation, though he will know better than anyone not to go too far given the stakes of Sunday’s showdown.

Defender Joe Rodon returned to the squad against Wolves on Saturday after a recent spell on the sidelines.

Having come on as a substitute in the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth, the Welshman could now be in line to start at Wembley.

Rounding off two changes, one that is highly likely is in goal, with Lucas Perri having started each of the last three rounds of the competition, helping Leeds through on penalties against both Birmingham and West Ham.

It is likely Farke will remain loyal to the 28-year-old, rather than sticking with regular keeper Karl Darlow between the sticks at Wembley.

Farke may be unable to make all the changes he would like, with two injury concerns clouding his plans ahead of Sunday.

Speaking at his press conference on Thursday, the German revealed that fellow countryman Anton Stach is not yet ready after picking up an injury in the win over West Ham.

The summer signing has impressed in midfield this season, and Farke confirmed he will continue to be assessed over the weekend.

That could mean Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka keep their places in the centre of the park, especially with Ilia Gruev already ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a meniscus injury.

There is also a concern over Sebastiaan Bornauw, who rolled his ankle in training and will be assessed ahead of Sunday, although Farke was encouraged by the news that there is no ligament damage.

Leeds fans can start to dream of European football

After tearing up the Championship on their way to promotion last May, Leeds endured a testing start as they adjusted to life back in the Premier League.

Questions soon swirled around Daniel Farke’s future, and around whether the Whites had what it took to stay in the division. Since then, however, the transformation has been remarkable.

Leeds returned from the international break in fine fettle, and at times, Farke’s side have produced some scintillating football.

Just as importantly, Leeds showed all the character to snatch a dramatic late point against Bournemouth on Wednesday.

With 40 points already on the board, supporters may feel they can finally enjoy Sunday for what it is.

And given the form of both sides, there is every reason to believe Leeds can fancy their chances of getting the better of Chelsea at the national stadium.

With momentum building after a superb return to the top flight, a tilt at the FA Cup would be a fitting next step. Reach the final, and European football would suddenly be within touching distance.