Derby County will welcome Leeds United to Pride Park on Sunday for the third round of the 2025-26 Emirates FA Cup, with both clubs looking to make an impact in one of football’s most historic competitions.
Both teams will also wear black armbands to honour former player Terry Yorath, who sadly passed away earlier this week, paying tribute to a club legend whose legacy will live on.
For the Rams, it is an opportunity to shake off recent cup disappointments.
Last season, Derby were eliminated at this stage by League One side Leyton Orient, while Leeds fell in the fourth round to Millwall at Elland Road.
Success in the FA Cup has been rare for Derby in recent years, with their last run beyond the third round coming in the 2022-23 season, when they saw off Barnsley 3-0.
Leeds, meanwhile, have a proud history in the competition, lifting the trophy in 1972 thanks to Allan Clarke’s famous goal against Arsenal.
Derby have steadied their Championship campaign after a difficult start, winning only once in their opening nine games.
After 26 matches, they sit 13th in the table, with an impressive away record that sees only four sides in the division better on the road.
Pride Park, however, has proved less forgiving; Derby have won just once in their last six home matches.
The Rams will be without Max Johnston (hamstring), Carlton Morris (knee), David Ozoh (thigh) and Owen Beck, who has returned to Liverpool.
In Morris’s absence, Rhian Brewster is expected to lead the line, supported by the pace and work-rate of Ben Brereton Díaz and Agyemang.
Leeds, now in their first season back in the Premier League, currently sit 16th in the top flight.
Their recent form has been encouraging, with wins over Chelsea and Crystal Palace and draws against Liverpool.
Yet their away form continues to be a concern; only two teams in the division have fewer road points, and their last trip ended in heartbreak at Newcastle United, where two injury-time goals denied them a deserved victory.
Injury concerns linger for the visitors as well. Sam Byram is a minor doubt with a back problem, Jayden Bogle is likely to be rested, and Daniel James remains sidelined with a thigh issue.
Karl Darlow is expected to start in goal.
Derby have struggled against Leeds in recent meetings.
The Rams have lost the last three encounters, and at Pride Park they have failed to beat the Whites in their last five attempts.
Historically, Leeds have the upper hand in FA Cup clashes, winning four of the six meetings between the sides, though the teams have not met in the competition since 1996.
John Eustace’s side are likely to set up with a compact, disciplined structure, focusing on defensive solidity and counter-attacking opportunities.
Midfielders Liam Thompson and Bobby Clark will be key in controlling the central areas, while Derby will look to exploit Leeds’ away vulnerabilities through pace and set-piece deliveries.
Leeds, under Daniel Farke, will aim to dominate possession and apply pressure through technically skilled players like Joel Piroe and Nmecha.
Breaking down Derby’s defensive setup could be challenging, and how efficiently they manage transitions may be decisive.
The Rams boss is relishing the occasion: “The FA Cup is the biggest cup competition in the world. The Third Round is always special for all clubs involved, and we’re looking forward to it.”
Eustace described the fixture as “iconic,” reflecting on the shared history between Derby and Leeds, and highlighted the opportunity to give game time to players returning from injury and new signings like Oscar Fraulo.
The Leeds manager also spoke ahead of the match, paying tribute to Yorath:
“A proper club legend… he will always be part of our Leeds family. His legacy will live forever.”
Farke confirmed that his side would largely mirror the group that faced Newcastle, with careful management for those returning from injury.
He emphasized the importance of respecting Derby while remaining realistic about Leeds’ FA Cup ambitions:
“We love this traditional cup, but our priority is staying in the Premier League, so we won’t risk players unnecessarily.”
Derby County – Rhian Brewster: With Carlton Morris sidelined, Brewster becomes Derby’s key attacking threat.
His pace, movement, and finishing ability could be vital in exploiting Leeds’ defensive frailties on the counter.
Leeds United – Joel Piroe: Farke has praised Piroe’s clinical finishing, which will be crucial if Leeds dominate possession.
His movement in the box and ability to convert chances could determine whether Leeds advance.
Derby will approach the match with discipline and determination, aiming to test Leeds on home soil. The FA Cup often throws up surprises, but Leeds’ overall quality and recent form suggest they will edge the tie.
Predicted score: Derby County 1-2 Leeds United
Thank you for reading our Derby County vs Leeds United FA Cup preview.
