Leeds United are expected to rotate for Sunday's midday FA Cup fourth round tie
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
05:00, 14 Feb 2026
Lucas Perri is expected to come back in for the FA Cup
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Lucas Perri is expected to come back in for the FA Cup(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
While the FA Cup trip to Birmingham City gives Daniel Farke a chance to rotate and rest some of his main players, it is important that Leeds United carry on momentum.
A win would keep the ball rolling and also keep morale in a good place given fringe players are likely to be fielded. Getting through would underscore confidence that Leeds do have the strength in depth to see them over the line when it comes to Premier League survival.
Because Farke has made it clear that while he is a romantic for cup competitions, the priority very much remains the league. With Aston Villa away next up, ensuring that squad equilibrium remains at a good level can only be beneficial.
Starts for fringe players
Leeds are expected to field a number of rotation players, while Facundo Buonanotte could get his full debut. The Argentine has only been a bench player so far but Sunday comes as his best chance yet of being named in the United line up for the first time.
Others could also get the nod, such as Wilfried Gnonto whose only start since November was in the last round of the FA Cup against Derby County. He marked his appearance at right wing-back with a goal.
Daniel James might be handed his first start since November too, having come off the bench in the last two games, although where he may start can be debated. The winger could start on one of the wing-back flanks but also has the ability to play as the second striker.
Whichever way Farke goes will be intriguing though it is likely he sticks with his 3-5-2 formation for consistency's sake given the expected number of changes in personnel.
Lucas Perri
One player that will have eyes on him is Lucas Perri, who is anticipated to play for the first time since being dropped as number one last month. Karl Darlow has had his shaky moments in the interim but his general performances have kept him ahead in the pecking order.
Perri, a £16m summer signing, is now having to fight his way back into the team and is by default the cup goalkeeper. This is his best chance to show supporters that he does indeed have a chance to break back into the starting XI before the season is out.
Although, at the same time, he is in a no-win situation - do poorly and concern will only grow but do amply and few will hand praise given the Championship level of opposition. Some will say he has backed himself into this scenario of his own doing.
Youngsters on bench
Farke recently made encouraging comments about Under-21s captain Alfie Cresswell, who can play at centre-back. He has trained with the first team and staff have been impressed by his progression.
It does seem quite soon for the 18-year-old - brother of former Leeds defender Charlie Cresswell - to start a game but making the matchday squad on Sunday would be a great achievement for the teenager.
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Sam Chambers might also get the nod too, having made several senior matchday squads this season. Notably, he played at right-back during the senior pre-season tour. The depth in senior numbers, though, means neither are shoo-ins to be handed gimme spots in the squad.
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