Pride Park braced for FA Cup Clash: Derby County vs. Leeds United

Pride Park is set to host a thrilling FA Cup third-round encounter between Derby County and Leeds United. The match, kicking off at 12pm on Sunday, January 11, 2026, promises a spicy atmosphere as these long-time rivals clash once again.

Leeds United enters the match looking to rebound from a gut-wrenching defeat to Newcastle. Despite the recent setback, Daniel Farke's squad, which was previously on a seven-match unbeaten streak, is expected to approach the game against their Championship opponents with confidence.

Daniel Farke has made a significant eight changes to the Leeds United lineup that faced Newcastle. Ethan Ampadu, Jaka Bijol, and Ilia Gruev are the only players retaining their places in the starting XI. Karl Darlow will start in goal. Sebastiaan Bornauw and Jaka Bijol will form the center-back partnership. Jack Harrison and Ao Tanaka return to the side, joining Gruev and captain Ampadu in midfield. The attack will be led by Noah Okafor, Lukas Nmecha, Joel Piroe, and Willy Gnonto. Lucas Perri, Pascal Struijk, Sean Longstaff, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Brenden Aaronson, Anton Stach, James Justin, Sam Byram and Sam Chambers are among the substitutes.

The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 2, with coverage beginning at 11:30 am. Streaming will also be available on discovery+ on TNT Sports.

This fixture carries historical weight, evoking memories of Brian Clough and Don Revie's managerial tenures, as well as the "Spygate" controversy of 2019 and Derby's subsequent Championship play-off victory. Leeds United can anticipate a hostile reception at Pride Park.

Many anticipated Karl Darlow to step in against Derby. A decision was yet to be made regarding Jayden Bogle's inclusion as he recovers from a calf problem.