Uncover everything about Leeds United’s FA Cup battle against Peterborough United. Featuring exclusive team updates, strategic insights, and a complete roundup of third-round FA Cup fixtures.
In an Emirates FA Cup third-round encounter, Leeds United, currently eyeing a Championship playoff spot, is set to face Peterborough United, who are similarly positioned in League One.
This eagerly awaited match, taking place at the iconic London Road stadium, offers fans the thrill of live action on Leeds United TV.
Both Leeds United, holding fourth in the Championship, and Peterborough United, in third in League One, approach this fixture amid impressive league campaigns.
Team Focus: Between Promotion and Cup Ambitions
For Leeds United, the main season goal remains promotion to the Premier League, casting the FA Cup as a secondary priority. However, the Whites are no strangers to FA Cup surprises, having previously faced upsets against lower-league teams.
Manager Daniel Farke is likely to approach the game against Peterborough with a strategy that balances cup commitment with safeguarding key players for the Championship campaign.
Managers’ Insights on the Upcoming Clash
Daniel Farke, Leeds United Manager:
“We are always respectful,” Farke stated, emphasising the quality of the match. “It’s a game on Championship level… Peterborough are a really good side. We expect a tight and difficult game. We want a good performance and to go through, to go as far as possible.”
Darren Ferguson, Peterborough United Manager:
“Obviously they are ahead of us in terms of quality,” Ferguson admitted. “We play in similar formations… It’s another game that won’t be 0-0. It’s a really tough game for us but should be a great atmosphere.”
Team News and Expected Lineups: Leeds United vs. Peterborough United
Injury and suspension-related absences have an impact on Leeds United’s starting lineup, with Illan Meslier and Luke Ayling being notable examples.
Peterborough United is expected to field a robust team, with key players like Ephron Mason-Clark and Ricky-Jade Jones ready to make their mark.
Leeds United and Peterborough United are gearing up for an intense FA Cup battle, each with their unique set of team dynamics and strategies.
Leeds United’s Predicted Lineup Amidst Injury Concerns
The predicted lineup for Leeds United reflects Farke’s focus on maintaining squad fitness for their primary objective:
- Goalkeeper: Kristoffer Klaesson
Filling in for the suspended Illan Meslier and injured Karl Darlow, who is also out of favour. - Right-Back: Luke Ayling
Likely to captain the side, stepping in due to limited options in this position. - Centre-Backs: Charlie Cresswell and Leo Hjelde
With injuries affecting the usual starters, Cresswell and Hjelde are expected to form the central defensive partnership. - Left-Back: Junior Firpo
Set to return to the starting lineup, bringing experience to the flank, more so after Leeds sent Djed Spence back to Tottenham. - Central Midfield: Glen Kamara and Ilia Gruev
Kamara has cemented his place in midfield, while Gruev may get a start, offering a fresh option in place of Ethan Ampadu. - Right Wing: Willy Gnonto
Expected to feature, bringing fresh energy and creativity, resting James. - Central Attacking Midfield: Joel Piroe
Likely to start in the attacking midfield role, filling in for injured players. - Left Wing: Jaidon Anthony
Anticipated to seize the opportunity on the left wing, given Summerville’s rest. - Centre Forward: Patrick Bamford
Bamford is set to lead the attack, aiming to build on his recent goal-scoring form.
Peterborough United’s Robust Squad
On the other side, Peterborough United, bolstered by an impressive 10-game unbeaten streak, is expected to field a strong team. Key players like Ephron Mason-Clark and Ricky-Jade Jones are in fine form and ready to impact the game significantly.
- Goalkeeper: Fynn Talley
Young goalie Fynn Talley is expected to continue in goal, backed up by the newly signed Jed Steer. Talley’s performances have been promising, showcasing his potential in recent matches. - Defence and Midfield Strength
In defence and midfield, Peterborough United boasts a blend of experience and youthful vigour. Players like Frankie Kent and Dan Butler are expected to anchor the defence, while midfield dynamism could be provided by Jack Taylor and Reece Brown. - Attacking Options
In the attacking third, the combination of Ephron Mason-Clark’s goal-scoring prowess and Ricky-Jade Jones’s pace and agility poses a considerable threat. Their partnership could be key in unlocking Leeds United’s defence.
Match Prediction: A Goal-Filled Encounter Anticipated
Anticipating an exciting battle, the prediction leans towards a high-scoring affair, with Leeds United narrowly edging out Peterborough in a 3-2 thriller at 18/1 with Planet Sport Bet
FA Cup: A Platform for Glory and Upsets
The FA Cup, known for its historic upsets and thrilling encounters, adds an extra layer of excitement to this match.
Leeds United’s mixed history in the competition and their current focus on the Championship may influence their approach, making this a potentially intriguing fixture in the third round.
A Glance at the Teams’ Journey and Expectations
Leeds United, a team with a storied FA Cup history, including a memorable triumph in 1972, heads to Peterborough with high ambitions.
Meanwhile, Peterborough United, is aiming to replicate their strong league form in the FA Cup, bolstered by a 10-game unbeaten streak.
The FA Cup: A Historic Competition
The FA Cup, the world’s oldest football competition, is back for its 143rd edition in the 2023-24 season. With Manchester City as the defending champions, the competition promises thrilling encounters and potential giant-killings.
Here’s a breakdown of the FA Cup’s structure and prize money for this season:
- First Round: November 4, 2023; Prize Money: £41,000
- Second Round: December 2, 2023; Prize Money: £67,000
- Third Round: January 6, 2024; Prize Money: £105,000
- Fourth Round: January 27, 2024; Prize Money: £120,000
- Fifth Round: February 28, 2024; Prize Money: £225,000
- Quarter-final: March 16, 2024; Prize Money: £450,000
- Semi-final: April 20, 2024; Prize Money: £1,000,000
- Final: May 25, 2024; Prize Money: £2,000,000
Full FA Cup Third Round Fixtures
- Luton Town v Bolton Wanderers (Sun 7 Jan 2pm)
- Shrewsbury Town v Wrexham (Sun 7 Jan 2pm) (Live on S4C)
- Arsenal v Liverpool (Sun 7 Jan 4.30pm) (Live on BBC One)
- Stoke City v Brighton & Hove Albion
- Norwich City v Bristol Rovers
- West Ham United v Bristol City (Sun 7 Jan 2pm)
- Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Burnley (Fri 5 Jan 8pm) (Live on ITV1)
- Fulham 1-0 Rotherham United (Fri 5 Jan 7.30pm)
- West Bromwich Albion v Aldershot Town (Sun 7 Jan 2pm)
- Southampton v Walsall
- AFC Wimbledon v Ipswich Town (12.30pm)
- Peterborough United v Leeds United (Sun 7 Jan 2pm)
- Millwall v Leicester City (12.30pm)
- Watford v Chesterfield
- Sunderland v Newcastle United (12.45pm) (Live on ITV1)
- Sheffield Wednesday v Cardiff City (5.30pm)
- Crystal Palace 0-0 Everton (Thu 4 Jan 8pm) (Live on ITV4)
- Middlesbrough v Aston Villa (5.30pm) (Live on BBC One)
- Nottingham Forest v Blackpool (Sun 7 Jan 2pm)
- Wigan Athletic v Manchester United (Mon 8 Jan 8.15pm) (Live on ITV1)
- Manchester City v Huddersfield Town (Sun 7 Jan 2pm) (Live on BBC iPlayer)
- Blackburn Rovers v Cambridge United
- Gillingham v Sheffield United
- Swansea City v Morecambe (5.30pm)
- Chelsea v Preston North End (5.30pm) (Live on BBC iPlayer)
- Queens Park Rangers v AFC Bournemouth
- Coventry City v Oxford United (12.30)
- Brentford 1-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers (Fri 5 Jan 7.15pm)
- Plymouth Argyle v Sutton United
- Maidstone United v Stevenage (12.30pm)
Other Televised FA Cup Matches on January 7th
This weekend also features several other televised FA Cup matches, including Manchester City vs Huddersfield and the high-profile Arsenal vs Liverpool game.
- Manchester City v Huddersfield (2pm): Available on BBC Red Button and BBC iPlayer.
- Shrewsbury v Wrexham (2pm): Broadcast on BBC iPlayer and S4C.
- Arsenal v Liverpool (4:30pm): Watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
This round of fixtures promises to be an exciting weekend of FA Cup football, with Leeds United’s visit to Peterborough United being one of the standout matches.
