Leeds United manager Daniel Farke, Chris Sutton in a circular insert.
Leeds United will switch their attention from league action to the FA Cup this weekend, as they head to St Andrew’s to face Birmingham City in Sunday’s fourth-round clash.
The Whites are currently 15th in the Premier League standings, holding a six-point cushion over the relegation zone and looking increasingly well placed to preserve their top-flight status.
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For now, however, domestic survival takes a back seat. Focus turns to a potential cup run, with Daniel Farke expected to ring the changes for the trip to the Midlands.
Leeds hope to progress in the FA Cup against a Championship side on Sunday, but Chris Sutton believes that this could be a game that might surprise everyone.
Chris Sutton predicts bad news for Leeds on Sunday
Leeds will start the game as favourites to get a win at St. Andrew’s and progress to the fifth round of competition this season.
Sutton conceded Leeds did brilliantly to come from 2-0 down to get a point against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this week, but insisted that Birmingham won’t be straightforward for the Whites.
He pointed out that the Blues are in good form at the moment, and they seem to be in a place where an upset is likely on the cards when they take on Leeds this Sunday.
The former striker has predicted a shock 1-0 win for the home side over the Whites this weekend.
Sutton said on BBC Sport: “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.
“Prediction: 1-0.”
Farke’s team selection may decide the game
The Leeds boss will almost certainly rotate his squad. However, in the win over Derby in the FA Cup earlier this month, he still fielded a strong side.
Joel Piroe is almost certain to start, and it could be his last appearance in a Leeds starting eleven if Sutton’s prediction comes true this weekend.
Lucas Perri will also get a chance to potentially save his Leeds career, but other than that, it is hard to predict who could get a game on Sunday.
Wilfried Gnonto, Facundo Buonanotte and Ao Tanaka should be in the starting eleven, given their lack of minutes in the Premier League in the last few weeks.
Leeds should still field a strong enough side to beat Birmingham, but as Sutton conceded, an upset could also be on the cards this Sunday.