Daniel Farke to learn from Millwall lesson, Leeds simply can’t rest on their laurels
Leeds have been in fine form as of late.
Daniel Farke’s side sit six points clear of the relegation zone with 12 matches to play in the Premier League, after Leeds beat Nottingham Forest 3-1, and played out a 2-2 draw with Chelsea.
The Whites came out on top against Derby County in the third round of the FA Cup last month, and are set for a break from league action as they take on Birmingham City this weekend.
While the Premier League is their main focus, Leeds cannot afford to let their form slip in the cup this weekend.
Farke’s side cannot rest on their laurels heading into the weekend and must keep up the momentum on their travels to the Midlands.
Leeds must secure FA Cup pathway to keep up momentum and avoid last year’s fate
The Whites have lost just once in their last six across all competitions, with leeway allowed, given that the defeat came against Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Leeds have reached the fourth round of the FA Cup for the last four successive seasons, though they were knocked out at this stage by Millwall at Elland Road last term on their way to sealing Championship promotion.
On a positive note, the club have not exited the competition at this stage in consecutive years since the 1992-93 and 1993-94 seasons – they will be keen to uphold this record going into the weekend.
The argument is there to be made that the cup can be a distraction in a relegation battle. Though in this instance, Leeds simply cannot let their form slip.
With momentum on their side, a win against Birmingham and subsequent safe pathway to the next round would keep Leeds in fine form ahead of a massive fixture away at Aston Villa the following week.
Leeds have form on their side at the right time
The past week has been huge for Leeds.
Beating Nottingham Forest last Friday, the Whites moved three points ahead of the Garibaldi, and crucially – maintained their six-point gap to West Ham in 18th, who had a more favourable fixture against Burnley.
All three of these sides picked up a point this week, while Forest’s draw against Wolves prompted the sacking of Sean Dyche.
After a slow start to the campaign, Leeds transformed over the festive period, and have picked up form just at the right time heading into the season’s final months.
However, they must keep up the momentum and avoid a fate similar to last year’s as they travel to Birmingham on Sunday.