FA Cup | Third Round

Jan 11, 2025 at 5.45pm UK

Elland Road

Leeds vs Harrogate

Match preview

It should be a routine afternoon for 1972 winners Leeds, given the gap between the sides in the Pyramid, with the home side at the top of the Championship and Harrogate struggling at the bottom of League Two.

Daniel Farke's side are unbeaten in eight games, winning five, and have moved to the top of the Championship in recent weeks, where they remain despite dropping two points at Hull City last weekend.

However, promotion matters will be put on the backburner for the time being as attention turns to the cup as Leeds look to progress beyond the third round for the third successive season.

Having been knocked out at this stage five years in a row between 2018 and 2022, Leeds have now reached the fifth round in successive seasons, and have been handed a favourable draw in the hope of an even better run this time around.

Harrogate's rise through the divisions in recent years has seen them become regulars in the FA Cup proper, and they will not be making the short trip without hope, with Leeds having won just one of their last five matches against fourth-tier opposition in the competition.

However, the Whites are unbeaten at home in the FA Cup since losing to Arsenal in the 2010-11 season, winning three and drawing two of those games.

The hosts have also progressed from four of their last five FA Cup ties against fellow Yorkshire clubs, most recently against Rotherham United in 2016.

For Harrogate, this will be only the second third-round tie in their history, the only other ending in a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Luton Town in 2022.

The Sulphurites may be able to keep things tight at the back, having not conceded in the FA Cup so far this season.