Leeds United have been tipped to slip on an FA Cup banana skin against Birmingham City.
Their reward is a trip to the Midlands to face 10th-placed Championship side Birmingham on Sunday (February 15). Leeds have been making strides in their quest for Premier League survival but form often goes out of the window in the FA Cup.
Pundit Chris Sutton, who represented Birmingham in his playing days, believes the Blues can pull off an upset.
Leeds United will be hoping to sidestep an FA Cup banana skin at Birmingham City.placeholder image
Leeds United will be hoping to sidestep an FA Cup banana skin at Birmingham City. | George Wood/Getty Images
Leeds United tipped for defeat
Writing on the BBC Sport website, he said: “Leeds' comeback from 2-0 down to draw at Chelsea was just extraordinary, but I can smell an upset here.
“I am sure Leeds boss Daniel Farke will make some changes because he will have at least half an eye on the Premier League, and their next game against Aston Villa.
“Birmingham are going well under Chris Davies and are unbeaten in eight games in all competitions. This seems like a good time for him to take a top-flight scalp.”
Leeds United knocked Derby County out of the FA Cup last month.placeholder image
Leeds United knocked Derby County out of the FA Cup last month. | Mike Egerton/PA Wire
Leeds United set for return to cup action
Sutton has backed the Blues to clinch a 1-0 win over Leeds, who have been beaten by lower-league opposition this term.
Back in August, a youthful Sheffield Wednesday knocked Leeds out of the Carabao Cup via penalty shoot-out.
Leeds are likely to make changes but many of their fringe players would walk into a Championship side. There could be starting opportunities for the likes of Ao Tanaka, Wilfried Gnonto and Joel Piroe, who have struggled for minutes of late.