%20Logo%204.png){kind=small}
By @jonnychick__.
It's a trip to The People's Pension Stadium for the Whites this Sunday, as Premier League Leeds United take on League Two side Crawley Town in the third round of the FA Cup.
The FA Cup is known for its giant killings and this certainly has the potential to be one as 62 league places separate the two sides.
Leeds are sitting comfortably in mid-table in the top flight while Crawley are pushing for promotion to League One as they and are just inside the League Two play-off places.
United go into this game off the back of a 3-0 defeat away at Premier League title contenders Tottenham Hotspur. Goals from Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Toby Alderweireld put Leeds to the sword.
Although the Christmas period ended in defeat for Leeds, it can still be seen as a success as wins against Burnley and West Brom propelled the West Yorkshire club to 12 points above the relegation zone.
With Premier League safety looking likely and no promotion to focus on this season, Leeds will no doubt be hoping for a strong FA Cup run, however, history doesn't make for happy reading.
Leeds have been eliminated in the third round in each of their last three campaigns, their worst run since a four-season stretch between 2003/04 and 2006/07. The Whites have also lost two of their last three third-round matches as a Premier League side, most recently against Arsenal in 2003/04.
United though are unsurprisingly the odds on favourites to progress to the next round of the FA Cup, a competition which Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa holds in high regard. Speaking to the press, Bielsa said: "For me, the FA Cup represents English football in its purest form. It allows you to link with the clubs in England. I'm very happy to be in this competition.
Even though they are undoubtedly the underdogs, Crawley Town are in good form heading into Sunday's game. A 1-0 away at Bolton Wanderers in their previous match stretched their unbeaten run to nine games in all competitions (5W 4D).
In the FA Cup this season, Crawley were involved in an eleven-goal in the first round as they beat National League leaders Torquay United 6-5 away from home.
John Yems' side saw off League One outfit AFC Wimbledon in round two, picking up a 2-1 win away at Plough Lane, securing a place in the third round for the first time since 2012/13 when they were eliminated by Premier League side Reading. Crawley have lost all of their FA Cup matches against Premier League opposition.
TEAM NEWS
Leeds United will be boosted by the return of club captain Liam Cooper, who has been out for almost three weeks with an abdominal injury.
Fellow center-back Diego Llorente, who has only played just once for the club because of several injuries, is available but Bielsa says they will be "cautious" with the Spaniard.
Marcelo Bielsa is set to name a strong side for this match. Speaking to the press, Bielsa said: "It was easier when I just named the eleven, let me think a little bit... no, there won't be any players that haven't played before."
Forward Tyler Roberts is someone who Leeds fans would've expected to feature in a game like, however, Bielsa has said that he is unavailable for selection.
Meanwhile, Crawley Town will make a late decision on top scorer Max Watters who has a hamstring problem.
The Reds could give a debut to Mark Wright, who is best known for his time on the reality TV show 'The Only Way is Essex'.
The 33-year-old was captain of a youth side at Tottenham's academy and has also played non-League football for clubs including Lewes and Heybridge Swifts.
MATCH FACTS
Sunday will be the first time these two sides have met in any competition.
Crawley Town are the 167th different side to face Leeds United, and the People's Pension Stadium will be the 201st different ground Leeds have played at.
HOW TO WATCH
The game is available to watch on BBC One from 1:15 PM. The winners will progress to round four of the competition and the draw for the next round and the fifth round of the FA Cup will take place on Monday night at 7:15 PM.
MATCH INFORMATION
Crawley Town vs Leeds United
Emirates FA Cup - Round Three
13:30 Sunday 10th January 2020
The People's Pension Stadium
Comentarios