Leeds United will face Derby County in the FA Cup, almost exactly 30 years to the day since the last time they were drawn against the Rams.
Daniel Farke learned his side’s FA Cup fate for the Third Round of the 2025/26 competition, as the Whites face a tricky away trip to Pride Park.
Although Derby are a Championship side, Leeds’ recent record in the competition does not inspire much confidence, despite signs of improvement under Farke in recent years.
The Leeds boss will have a difficult decision to make in the tie over the make-up of his team, as he mulls over whether to field a strong side or give fringe players such as Harry Gray a chance in the first team.
Farke will be hoping for an easier ride than Leeds’ last meeting against Derby in January 1996, when Howard Wilkinson’s side needed every one of the 90 minutes to seal their progress to the fourth round.
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Leeds United survived an FA Cup scare against Derby County in 1996
Leeds travelled to Derby’s old Baseball Ground in January 1996 as firm favourites, as they looked to overcome their Second Division opponents.
Wilkinson’s side looked to be in for a straightforward afternoon when Gary Rowett was sent off for pulling back Brian Deane when through on goal, but Derby showed they had other ideas in a dramatic second half.
The game burst into life in the 49th minute, when Derby scored the first of two goals in two minutes. Marco Gabbiadini beat Leeds’ attempted offside trap to fire home from close range, despite the protests of the defenders.
When Paul Simpson picked Carlton Palmer’s pocket to double Derby’s lead one minute later, Leeds appeared destined to suffer an embarrassing cup exit.
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Eddie Gray was part of the legendary side that won the trophy in 1972
However, Leeds returned the favour, as Gary Speed and Brian Deane scored two quick-fire goals just before the hour mark to pull Leeds level.
The game appeared to be heading to a replay in the closing stages when Leeds finally broke Derby’s resistance, as Gary McAllister poked home in the 92nd minute to send Leeds through. Tony Yeboah added another goal two minutes later to cap off a remarkable cup tie.
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Premier League fixtures may force Daniel Farke’s hand in the FA Cup
Leeds have not won the FA Cup since 1972, and last made the semi-finals in the 1986/87 season, as the league has frequently taken priority over a cup run.
With the Whites embroiled in another Premier League survival scrap, England’s premier cup competition may be forced to play second fiddle again this season.
Leeds’ fixtures do not get any easier around the turn of the year, as they travel to Anfield on New Year’s Day before facing Manchester United on January 4th and Newcastle just three days later.
With the game against Derby scheduled for the weekend of 10th January, it could be Leeds’ fourth game in 10 days, as the intensity of the season steps up a notch. As such, Farke may take the opportunity to give his first team regulars a much-needed rest.
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