Leeds United’s Squad Depth Under Scrutiny After FA Cup Exit

Leeds United’s ambitions for a return to the Premier League took a minor hit on February 8, 2025, when they suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Millwall at Elland Road in the FA Cup fourth round. While the loss does not affect their league position, it has raised fresh concerns about the squad’s overall depth and whether manager Daniel Farke has enough quality beyond his starting XI to sustain a successful Championship promotion campaign.

Farke opted to heavily rotate his squad for the cup tie, making wholesale changes from the side that had earned a vital midweek victory over Coventry City. Only Ethan Ampadu retained his place in the starting lineup, as several fringe players were handed opportunities to impress. However, the performance fell flat, with the second-string lineup failing to seize the moment, leaving fans and pundits alike questioning whether Leeds has the strength in depth to maintain their push for automatic promotion.

Ian Darke Highlights Leeds’ Potential Shortcomings

The defeat has led to wider discussions about Leeds’ overall squad quality, particularly in light of the January transfer window, where they opted against making significant reinforcements. Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, respected football commentator Ian Darke shared his thoughts on Leeds’ squad and the potential repercussions of failing to strengthen key areas.

“I think Leeds have been going along fine with what they’ve got – I said they didn’t really need Cameron Archer – but a little bit of cover for someone like Joel Piroe may not have been the worst idea, only if they could get some quality in,” Darke explained.

He stressed the importance of having reliable squad depth, particularly with a tough run of fixtures ahead that could define their season.

“That sort of insurance is key because you want good squad depth. Leeds have got Sunderland, Sheffield United, and West Brom in a row soon and need to continue to show their quality throughout the squad,” Darke said.

With Leeds leading the Championship table, the expectation is that they will be strong enough to secure automatic promotion. However, Darke warned that if they fail to achieve that goal, the club’s transfer strategy could face significant scrutiny.

“If they don’t go up, there’ll be an inquest into a lot of aspects, including their transfer recruitment,” he added. “But I still think they’re the best team in the division.”

Leeds’ League Form Must Remain Strong

While their FA Cup exit was frustrating, Leeds must now turn their full attention back to the Championship, where their promotion bid remains firmly in their own hands. They return to action on Tuesday, February 11, with a tricky away match against Watford, a side that has been inconsistent but is still capable of posing problems.

That fixture will be followed by a defining run of matches against Sunderland (H), Sheffield United (A), and West Brom (H)—three clubs that have also been vying for promotion and will be looking to derail Leeds’ momentum. These games could be pivotal in determining whether Leeds secures automatic promotion or faces the risk of falling into the playoff battle.

Leeds have been among the best attacking sides in the division and possess a defensive record that is only bettered by Burnley, but the defeat to Millwall highlighted concerns over their squad depth. Farke’s first-choice lineup has been consistent in the league, but if injuries, suspensions, or fatigue begin to take their toll, there will be questions about whether the squad has enough quality in reserve to see them over the line.

Squad Depth: A Potential Problem for Leeds?

The Championship is an unforgiving league, and the demanding 46-game schedule can expose weaknesses in even the best teams. Leeds have avoided major injury crises so far, but any setbacks in key areas could leave them vulnerable. The January transfer window was a chance to add reinforcements, yet Farke and the club’s hierarchy opted against making major signings, placing full faith in the squad already at their disposal.

Chairman Paraag Marathe has been a key figure in Leeds’ promotion push, and while he has backed Farke to get the job done with the current squad, he will be watching closely in the weeks ahead. If Leeds falter in their upcoming fixtures, questions may be asked about whether more should have been done in the transfer market to ensure they had sufficient depth to cope with the rigors of the promotion race.

Fringe Players Fail to Impress

The FA Cup defeat to Millwall was not just a missed opportunity for Leeds, but also for the fringe players who were given rare starts. Many had hoped to stake their claim for more regular involvement, but instead, their performances only reinforced Farke’s reliance on his core group of starters.

Players who have been on the periphery of the squad failed to make a strong case for further selection, and as a result, Farke will likely revert to his strongest XI for the crucial league games ahead. The manager may now be questioning whether he can rotate his squad effectively in the latter stages of the season without a significant drop-off in quality.

Leeds’ Path to the Premier League

With just over three months remaining in the season, Leeds are still in pole position to secure automatic promotion and return to the Premier League at the second time of asking. However, the Championship is notoriously unpredictable, and there is little margin for error.

Leeds must ensure they:

Maintain their strong attacking form, with key players like Joel Piroe, Georginio Rutter, and Crysencio Summerville continuing to deliver.

Keep their defensive structure solid, relying on leaders like Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon to provide stability at the back.

Manage their squad fitness carefully, as fatigue and injuries could become an issue in the decisive months of the season.

Farke’s ability to navigate the challenges ahead will be tested, but Leeds still holds the advantage over their rivals. If they can come through this crucial period unscathed, they will be well on their way to securing a return to the top flight.

However, if they stumble and fail to secure promotion, the post-mortem will be severe, and their January transfer inactivity could be one of the first areas to be scrutinized. For now, though, Leeds remains in control of their destiny—but they must prove they have the squad depth to finish the job.