At the start of the season, if anyone had predicted that Leeds United would have reached the FA Cup quarter-final, you would not have believed them. But that is exactly what Daniel Farke has achieved.
In his three years at the club, the Leeds boss has rarely taken cup competitions seriously. He has rotated his team to focus on the league in the past few seasons, and that has helped him reach the Championship play-off final, and last season he did earn promotion. So when this season began, fans had zero expectations going into the cup competition.
An early exit in the EFL Cup to Sheffield Wednesday looked to have set the tone going into the campaign. Farke rested players and Leeds United crashed out in their first outing of the competition. But since the first round of the FA Cup, the team have comfortably walked to the quarter-finals; their only test being Birmingham City, who they had to beat on penalties.
Jarrod Bowen makes honest Leeds United admission
The Whites face West Ham this weekend for a place in the semi-final on the line. What is more interesting is how both teams are currently fighting for survival in the Premier League. Just four points separate the two sides in the league, but this weekend a path to Wembley awaits the winner.
Ahead of the game, Hammers captain Jarrod Bowen said he is focused on getting to the next stage of the competition.
“We’ve got the chance for an FA Cup semi-final. I’ve got a chance to come here (Wembley) and lead them out, which would be such a special thing for me.
“And then make no mistake, the next seven games, they’re cup finals as well. There’s no hiding away from the situation. I go back there and keep trying to step up and keep trying to keep my club in the Premier League. It’s a big challenge coming up but I’m ready for it.”
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Can Leeds secure a trip to Wembley?
At the moment, there will be a lot of things on the mind of this Leeds United team. They are still in the battle for survival, and will face West Ham before the season ends. Daniel Farke has so far gotten his rotation right in each of the last FA Cup games. The balance has seen the likes of Joel Piroe, Wilfried Gnonto and Lucas Perri get minutes and they have proved they should start this weekend. Losing on Sunday would not be a huge blow, so in some cases the Whites have nothing to lose. However, a trip to Wembley could be a great way to get the fanbase on their side as the season draws to a close.
