Get ready for a thrilling FA Cup showdown! Leeds United kicks off their 2025/26 Emirates FA Cup journey today, but this time, it’s not just about the game—it’s about the bold lineup changes that have everyone talking. Heading to Pride Park Stadium to face Derby County in the third round, manager Daniel Farke has shaken things up with a whopping eight changes to the starting XI. Only Ethan Ampadu, Jaka Bijol, and Ilia Gruev remain from the team that faced Newcastle United. But here’s where it gets interesting: Karl Darlow takes his place between the posts, backed by a center-back pairing of Sebastiaan Bornauw and Bijol. Jack Harrison and Ao Tanaka make their return, joining Gruev and captain Ampadu in midfield. Up front, Noah Okafor, Lukas Nmecha, Joel Piroe, and Willy Gnonto are set to light up the attack. And this is the part most people miss—the bench is stacked with talent, including Lucas Perri, Pascal Struijk, Sean Longstaff, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and more. Is this a risky move or a stroke of genius? The game kicks off at 12 pm and will be streamed live on TNT Sports. You can also follow the action on the Leeds United blog or tune in to LUTV. But here’s the real question: Will Farke’s bold strategy pay off, or will Derby County capitalize on the reshuffled lineup? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one match you won’t want to miss! Starting XI: Darlow (GK), Ampadu (C), Piroe, Nmecha, Bijol, Okafor, Harrison, Tanaka, Bornauw, Gnonto, Gruev. Substitutes: Perri (GK), Struijk, Longstaff, Calvert-Lewin, Aaronson, Stach, Justin, Byram, Chambers.
