Leeds United

Luke Reddy
BBC Sport journalist

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Aston Villa at Villa Park (kick-off 15:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Noah Okafor has suffered a hamstring injury in the FA Cup game at Birmingham City and will be out for between two and four weeks. Farke said Okafor will definitely miss the next two games.

• In more positive news, Anton Stach, Pascal Struijk and Dan James are back in training and available.

• On injury upheaval this season, Farke said: "You have to deal with injuries. Each and every club has it. We are in the top two for physical output in the league - we always have to invest more than the opponent - so yes, sometimes there's a knock or stretch of the muscle and we have to deal with it. We are in a really good position, with only Okafor out. At this stage of February, overall it is not too bad."

• Reflecting on spells of having several players out, Farke said: "Sometimes also it is easier to please everyone as everyone feels needed, starting games and proving worth. So it's also sometimes good for togetherness."

• Farke said the fact Facundo Buonanotte has not immediately held down a place in the team is "a good thing" as it shows the players he already had in place are of sufficient quality.

• On Buonanotte's slow start since joining on loan, Farke offered: "It's always important you are not carried away by expectations from a signing. Sometimes you bring a new player in and excitement and expectation is so high. This is the message I gave him from when he arrived. We haven't signed him to improve our 11 straight away. We signed him to improve the depth in our squad. We let Jack Harrison and Harry Gray go out on loan. We spoke openly with Facundo about it. We want to make sure we hold the pressure high on our other options."

• Farke added the Buonanotte deal is not a big risk for the club or the player and stressed he was "expecting" the Brighton player to start slowly given he has not played a lot of regular football.

• On the club's captaincy, Farke spoke about James Justin covering for absent names, stating: "JJ is captain pedigree - his whole personality. When he was not playing, he was always professional, supportive and thinking about the team. He embodies our mantra in a perfect way."

• Farke warned against reading into Aston Villa's FA Cup defeat by Newcastle given they played for a long spell with 10 men, stating: "If you have to go there, you need a top, top performance."

• On Leeds' position in the fight for survival: "We are on a good path. But the fact is I am a realistic person. In former years, 30 points would have been enough. I don't expect that this season. There is no reason to be carried away. We have to win many more points - and for that we have to stay with the foot on the gas."

Hit play above to hear more from Farke or listen on BBC Sounds here

Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Listen to commentary of Leeds v Aston Villa at 15:00 on Saturday on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra (second half on BBC Radio 5 Live) and BBC Sounds

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Defender Jayden Bogle says the competition for places at Leeds United is "healthy".

On how much James Justin, who has played in several positions, is pushing him for a place, Bogle told BBC Radio Leeds: "Big competition, like there is all over the pitch. I think it's healthy.

"It pushes each other to go to the next level and no matter who's playing we approach each game to win games and pick up vital points.

"You can see from the moment Justin came in he's got massive experience, played a lot of games, a lot of games at Premier League level as well, so he's a great person to have and to play with."

On his own season so far, Bogle added: "I think I've made a lot of progress and it's credit to the club for giving me the platform to be able to do that, but I've got big expectations for myself to go even further and keep pushing myself each day."

Click above to hear the full interview or listen on BBC Sounds here

Explore more Leeds United content on BBC Sounds

Before the FA Cup fifth-round draw was made, BBC Radio Leeds' Jonny Buchan said Norwich at home would be a favourable tie for the Whites, which is exactly what came out of the hat.

Speaking on the latest episode of Don't Go To Bed Just Yet, Leeds United commentator and reporter Adam Pope said: "I was so delighted they got through [against Birmingham], the fans you could see there was loads of them, so pleased, they were singing [Daniel] Farke's name.

"It clearly meant a lot didn't it, more than maybe some people would have vouched for at the beginning of the game."

Listen to the full episode

Explore all Leeds United content on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

On the latest episode of BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast, Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix discussed Facundo Buonanotte, who was taken off at half-time against Birmingham City in the FA Cup.

Buchan said: "I actually feel for Buonanotte because in the summer it looked likely he would come to Leeds - and then it all moved around and seemingly a lot of people were involved in him ending up going to Chelsea.

"He didn't get any real game time there and then he's come to Leeds and found it hard to get game time. He has been given an opportunity and he's had a bit of a stinker and been hooked at the break.

"It's a long way back for him to salvage this season now."

Pope added: "One thing I would say, and maybe I'm letting him off too much, is that he wanted the ball - he would drop in and pick the ball up in his own half.

"He never went hiding, it's just that nothing came off."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Leeds, along with Aston Villa and Newcastle, are interested in James Trafford of Manchester City, who would prefer to send the 23-year-old goalkeeper out on loan rather than sell this summer. (Teamtalk), external

Meanwhile, Leeds, Tottenham, Everton and Manchester United will continue to monitor Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, 23, before the summer transfer window. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

The draw for the FA Cup fifth round has been made. Here is a list of all the ties in the order they were drawn.

• Fulham v Southampton

• Port Vale or Bristol City v Sunderland

• Newcastle United v Manchester City

• Leeds United v Norwich City

• Mansfield Town v Arsenal

• Wolverhampton Wanderers v Liverpool

• Wrexham v Chelsea

• West Ham v Macclesfield or Brentford

The matches will be played over the weekend of 7 March.

Watch all the highlights and best video from this season's FA Cup

Molly Whitmore
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Fantastic trip down to Stamford Bridge last week. We absolutely fought until the dying seconds, and it felt like a well-earned result in the end.

Picking up the odd point here and there against sides like Chelsea gives you real belief for the rest of the season.

It makes the future feel a lot brighter.

And while I never thought I'd say this, thank you very much Mr Sesko for grabbing that goal against relegation rivals West Ham. We'll take any help we can get.

We did ride our luck, though, especially when Cole Palmer somehow missed that sitter at the death.

We can't keep relying on moments like that and the defence needs to wake up when we're so close to giving it away.

We're also in the hat for the last 16 of the FA Cup - that never happens!

A very difficult first half away at Birmingham City. At times you'd have struggled to tell who was Premier League and who was Championship.

But then up stepped Ethan Ampadu, our clinical man. What an important player he's becoming.

I saw a post saying he's getting as important to us as Pablo Hernandez once was, and honestly it's hard to argue.

Credit to the keeper too. He looks nervous when the ball comes near, but he pulled off some massive saves.

It's also been nice to see the negativity around Daniel Farke quieten down - at least for now.

When you look at clubs like Nottingham Forest chopping and changing managers and getting nowhere, it shows stability still matters. Sometimes sticking with your man is the right call.

And who do I want in the cup?

Anyone but Arsenal away. I'm more than happy not to visit the Emirates again.

Ideally, Mansfield Town at home and into the quarters - let's go for it!

Molly Whitmore is a regular contributor on BBC Radio Leeds - find all their audio here

A new episode of BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast is available to download and listen to now on BBC Sounds.

Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Simon Rix reflect on Leeds United's victory over Birmingham City on penalties to reach the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Explore all Leeds United content on BBC Sounds

We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's FA Cup fourth round match between Birmingham and Leeds.

Here are some of your comments:

Andrew: Well off it in the first half. Second best all over. But the six changes over the rest of the game showed a squad strength that we haven't had recently. I think winning breeds confidence and momentum so this win is fantastic. Birmingham pushed us all the way. Two proper football clubs and great support.

Hamish: An ugly win. Expected better from what looked a strong line up on paper. Home draw next round please.

Richard: Great win but I think we got away with murder to be honest and we'll need to improve for the next round.

Peter: A tough game just when we didn't need it. A confidence builder for Lucas Perri. Unlucky Justin conceding so late. Now rest up and prep smart for Villa.

Andy: Ugly win - but it's a win. There was a time not long ago that we would have lost that. Good display from the boys who don't get regular first team games.

Richard: Showed fight but also showed how much we rely on the first team. Our squad players are not good enough for the level we aspire to. Stay up and build solid foundations for longer term.

Paul: We played the first half with 10 men. Bounanotte was very poor, no wonder he was taken off at half time. Farke clearly wanted to win this by bringing on his trusted boys.

Image source, Getty Images

The 2025-26 FA Cup fifth-round draw will take place on Monday, 16 February at about 18:35 GMT.

It will be done before the fourth-round tie between Macclesfield Town - the lowest-ranked team left in the competition - and Brentford, with former England internationals Joe Cole and Karen Carney conducting the draw on TNT Sports.

Supporters can also follow the draw on the BBC Sport website and app.

All matches will be played around the weekend commencing Saturday, 7 March.

Unlike in previous years, there are no replays if matches end as a draw. All ties will go to extra time, and if necessary, a penalty shootout.

What are the ball numbers?

1. Liverpool

2. Fulham

3. Sunderland

4. Southampton

5. Wrexham

6. Arsenal

7. Chelsea

8. West Ham United

9. Mansfield Town

10. Norwich City

11. Port Vale or Bristol City

12. Wolverhampton Wanderers

13. Newcastle United

14. Manchester City

15. Macclesfield or Brentford

16. Leeds United

Jason Mohammed is joined by Paul Robinson and Leon Osman to bring all you the action and talking points from Sunday's FA Cup ties.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Grimsby Town 0-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers

• Birmingham City 1-1 Leeds United

• Oxford United 0-1 Sunderland

David Anderson
BBC Sport

Image source, Shutterstock

Leeds can have a real go in the FA Cup this season and improve their awful recent record in the competition.

The Whites have managed just one quarter-final appearance in the last 28 years and their defeat to Sheffield United in 2003 cost Terry Venables his job.

Leeds were often at Wembley under Don Revie and made four FA Cup Finals between 1965 and 1973, winning for the only time in their history in 1972.

Their last semi-final appearance was way back in 1987 when they lost to eventual winners Coventry City.

With a six-point cushion, Leeds are well on course to survive in the top flight – their No 1 goal this season.

They may argue that they are not safe yet, but a run of just two defeats in 15 games suggests they will steer clear of trouble.

So boss Daniel Farke can also focus on the Cup and his substitutions at Birmingham show he is not taking the competition lightly.

He brought on skipper Ethan Ampadu at half-time to help change the tie, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Brenden Aaronson also made positive contributions from the bench before Leeds' shoot-out win.

Leeds have not won at Wembley since the 1992 Charity Shield, when Eric Cantona scored a hat-trick against Liverpool, and maybe this could finally be the season they change that.

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke, speaking to the BBC: "This means a lot for us, also for our supporters. We can send them back happy. In our recent history we were not too good in the FA Cup, so it's good to go on a proper run - fifth round already. Such a scruffy hard fought win, sometimes these wins are the best for the spirit of the group.

"Lots of rotation today and also many players in the pitch that did not have that many minutes, but we were still able to find a way in this difficult away game against a Championship side in red hot form. To find a way in a scruffy game to win it is good for my team, good for my spirit and I'm delighted.

"Birmingham were the better side in the first half, no doubt about it, but we defended everything in the end and there were some good saves by Lucas Perri. We changed the set-up, brought our captain, our leader - Ethan Ampadu - in and won the momentum back in the game and scored with a fantastic goal from Lukas Nmecha.

"We were always convinced that we could do it on penalties and that we have done. And Lucas Perri, again, very good in the penalty shootout and a good win for the team."

Leeds United midfielder Sean Longstaff, speaking to TNT Sports about whether he was nervous stepping up to take the winning penalty: "I think it makes it easier knowing that if you miss there's more penalties to come. But I thought Lucas [Perri] was massive today, obviously in the shootout but in the game -the first half especially.

"We've ground out a result. It's never pretty in the FA Cup, but we're happy to get through.

"I think any time you get drawn away to a team in a lower division to you a lot of people expect you to rock up and win but it's never the case. I thought they were excellent today.

"Ultimately, it comes down to the moments and we were better in the bigger moments today and I'm really happy for Lucas because it's been sort of a tough time for him - but he deserves it today. I'm really happy for him."

Did you know?

• Leeds United's Lukas Nmecha is averaging a goal or assist every 101 minutes in all competitions this season (seven goals, two assists); only Erling Haaland (83 mins) has a better rate among Premier League central strikers in 2025-26 (those who have played a minimum of 500 minutes).

• Leeds United have won a penalty shootout for only the second time in their last six attempts, while it was only the second time they contested one in the FA Cup, after a 4-2 loss to Wolves in a third-round replay in 2005-06.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

What did you make of Leeds' display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Image source, BBC Sport

Birmingham City XI: Allsop, Oyasi-Samuel, Klarer, Panzo, Wagner, Doyle, Jhon Solis, Vicente, Stansfield, Gray, Priske.

Subs: Beadle, Mayo, Burrell, Neumann, Betteka, Roberts, Kanya, Osman, Ducksch.

Leeds United XI: Perri, Justin, Gudmundsson, Bijol, Bornauw, Longstaff, Tanaka, Buonanotte, Gnonto, Okafor, Nmecha.

Subs: Darlow, Bogle, Byram. Rodon, Ampadu, Gruev, Aaronson, Piroe, Calvert-Lewin.

Image source, BBC Sport

There are five ties in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Birmingham v Leeds (12:00) - BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio WM & BBC Radio Leeds

• Grimsby v Wolves (13:30) - BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2, BBC Radio Humberside & BBC Radio WM

• Oxford United v Sunderland - BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3, BBC Radio Oxford & BBC Radio Newcastle

• Stoke v Fulham - BBC Radio Stoke

• Arsenal v Wigan (16:30) - BBC Radio Manchester

Kick-off times 14:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Birmingham v Leeds" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Oxford United v Sunderland", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to football on BBC Sounds

Leeds United's 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 City 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.

Sutton's prediction: 1-0

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Image source, Getty Images

The Don't Go To Bed Just Yet panel have been previewing Sunday's FA Cup fourth round tie at Birmingham and discussing if and how Daniel Farke will rotate his team after Tuesday's impressive 2-2 draw against Chelsea.

"We're expecting a lot of changes," said Jonny Buchan.

"It's a really interesting one because what do you do in terms of the starting XI? You're only three games away from a semi-final at Wembley, so how seriously do you take this Birmingham City side?"

"The indications all season have been Farke will take this competition seriously," replied Adam Pope.

"They put in a good performance at Derby and deservedly won the game despite going behind.

"I could see [Joel] Piroe playing, he had a really good game at Derby even though he missed the penalty, [Facundo] Buonanotte is eligible and could get a start. He will probably leave [Dominic] Calvert-Lewin out after illness. I'd imagine [Sebastiaan] Bornauw will get a run-out again despite getting a bit of a run-around against Chelsea. Maybe [Willy] Gnonto gets a go too.

"Dan James maybe too, who has looked great since coming back.

"It might be a system change to give these players minutes. It could be a 4-3-3 with Piroe up top, Buonanotte pulling the strings, and [Brendon] Aaronson having a rest."

"This round we have an easier fixture so we can go under full-strength and get through," added Simon Rix.

"Hopefully by the next round the league will be looking good and we can play more of the first team.

"I'd be tempted to play the players who will be useful in the league to give them some minutes. I'd be tempted to start [Lukas] Nmecha and James to give them the minutes and [Ao] Tanaka and [Sean] Longstaff to help them get back to full fitness."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Find more episodes of The Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast on BBC Sounds

George Booth
BBC Sport journalist

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Sunday's FA Cup game against Birmingham City at St Andrew's (kick-off 12:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Leeds boss Daniel Farke confirmed "achieving survival is a priority" for his side and they "will not risk any player who has any doubts" for their fourth round tie against Birmingham City.

• Anton Stach and Pascal Struijk will not make a return to the matchday squad as both players are yet to fully complete their rehab. Although striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin "is back" after suffering from an illness, said Farke.

• Although the league is the "priority" for the west Yorkshire side, Farke said "we will not take any risks" when facing Birmingham, who sit one point outside the play-off positions in the Championship. Farke added: "It is not like we want to go out of this cup on purpose. I am a big believer in cup competitions."

• On Sunday's FA Cup opponents, Farke said: "I like the group of players, real quality players, and they definitely have a chance [of being promoted]." City have not lost in any competition since New Year's Day - an unbeaten run of eight games - and Farke believes "the club has lots of potential" as they aim to be promoted back to the Premier League.

• Farke also gave his thoughts on the sacking of Premier League managers Thomas Frank and Sean Dyche: "Especially when you have a proven manager like Thomas, who has done so well for Brentford, he is not just a good coach, but he is a great human being. For Sean Dyche, a proven record in the fight against relegation. The outside feeling is he gave stability after a crazy start for Nottingham."

Hear more from Farke below or on BBC Sounds here

Follow all of Friday's FA Cup news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Listen to Leeds United's FA Cup tie against Birmingham City on BBC Radio 5 Live or BBC Radio Leeds

Got a question about Leeds? Get in touch and we'll put it to our experts

A new episode of BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast is available to download and listen to now on BBC Sounds.

Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Kaiser Chiefs' bassist Simon Rix reflect on an impressive draw away against Chelsea on Tuesday and preview Sunday's trip to face Birmingham City at St Andrew's in the FA Cup fourth round.

And you can listen to live commentary of Birmingham v Leeds at 12:00 on Sunday on BBC Radio Leeds and BBC Sounds. Ex-United defender Jon Newsome - a title winner in 1992 - will join commentator Adam to offer punditry, with Jonny presenting.

Listen to the full episode of Don't Go To Bed Just Yet here

Explore all Leeds United content on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

Recently, Liverpool and the Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk said former players-turned-pundits have a responsibility when discussing the performances of the current generation of footballers.

He believes they can stray into "clickbait" and have a possible impact on players' mental health.

On Thursday's episode of the More than the Score podcast, former Scotland international Pat Nevin and chief sports editor for Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf Marcel van der Kraan join John Bennett to discuss and analyse the modern world of punditry and the impact it can have on players and managers alike.

"As a player you do tend to take it to heart, especially when it feels a little personal," said Nevin.

"Generally, it isn't personal and the pundit is just having their opinion and we all kind of know where the lines are. But, the lines have been jumped over more often in recent years and I think Van Dijk is right about that.

"Because of the clickbait, it is so much easier to get more likes, views and work if you're a little bit more extreme. Ex-players aren't stupid and they know that. If you are too sensible and sit on the fence you won't get the big gigs.

"You have a dichotomy. Most ex-players would like to be balanced but they know if they are too balanced and sensible they won't be there next week.

"My criticism would always be constructive criticism which is explained. One-dimensional labeling of players should never happen. Sometimes if a big name says something enough it becomes accepted wisdom."

Van der Kraan added: "There are two different kinds of pundits; those who need to be on every week and those who are genuinely focused on what is right and what players should do.

"For Van Dijk, after so many years enough is enough.

"It all started after he came into the Netherlands team and became a big player at Liverpool. The first ex-player to really criticise him was Marco van Basten, saying he was not a leader. Van Dijk was biting his lip after every match because it became a bit of a stigma.

"Eventually it filtered to England and every time he had a bad game it became an open nerve."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

The 40-point mark - or thereabouts - could be needed once again to guarantee Premier League survival this term, with an in-form West Ham United attempting to chase down the sides above them.

That mythical number has often been cited as the threshold at which managers, players and fans can relax - but the total has not actually been needed to stay up since 2010-11.

Prior to that the only other occasions clubs were demoted with 40 points or more were 1996-97, 1997-98 and 2002-03.

But could that be about to change?

West Ham, who are 18th in the top flight, are only three points behind 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, who sacked manager Sean Dyche after Wednesday's goalless draw with Wolves.

While Tottenham - who sacked boss Thomas Frank on Wednesday - are 16th, another two points ahead of Forest.

• Read a full breakdown on the 40-point target

West Ham's current points tally (24) is the most by any side in 18th at this stage of a campaign since 2019-20, when the Hammers recovered to stay up with 39 points.

Leeds also look to have found some momentum with recent wins over Fulham and Forest as well as draws at Everton and Chelsea.

In contrast, Spurs have managed a meagre four points from the previous 27 available to them.

Meanwhile, now managerless Forest have won just two of their past 10 games and fans of Brighton and Crystal Palace may also be looking over their shoulders.

The 14th-placed Seagulls (31 points) are on a dismal run having won just one top-flight game since 30 November.

Palace - who are a place and a point above Brighton - have only tasted victory once since 7 December and most recently let a two-goal lead slip as they lost to struggling Burnley.

That magic 40-point mark could well be needed once more to avoid dropping into the Championship.