Leeds United vs Millwall: FA Cup Fourth Round Preview
Leeds United will host Millwall at Elland Road on Saturday, 8 February 2025, in a highly anticipated FA Cup fourth-round clash. This fixture brings together two sides with very different ambitions this season, but both will see the game as an opportunity to progress in one of football’s most historic competitions. While Leeds are focused on securing automatic promotion back to the Premier League, Millwall will be looking to continue their recent resurgence under Alex Neil.
This match also carries extra significance due to the fierce rivalry between the two clubs. Leeds and Millwall have a long-standing history of intense encounters, with both teams boasting 19 wins each in their 43 previous meetings. The last time they met, Millwall secured a narrow 1-0 victory at The Den in November 2024, meaning Leeds will be eager to avenge that defeat in front of their home supporters.
Leeds United’s Current Form and Priorities
Leeds United have been in formidable form under Daniel Farke this season, sitting five points clear at the top of the Championship table. The Whites have enjoyed an outstanding campaign, going 14 games unbeaten across all competitions. Their record at Elland Road has been particularly impressive, winning 13 of their last 14 home games and conceding just three goals in that period.
Their most recent home match saw them dismantle Cardiff City 7-0 in a ruthless attacking display. This highlights the confidence and dominance they currently possess, making them strong favorites heading into this FA Cup tie.
However, Leeds’ primary focus this season remains securing promotion to the Premier League. With a crucial Championship fixture against Watford just three days after this match, Farke may opt to rotate his squad to keep his key players fresh. The financial rewards of Premier League promotion far outweigh those of an FA Cup run, which could influence his team selection.
That being said, the momentum Leeds have built this season cannot be underestimated. Winning breeds confidence, and maintaining a strong mentality will be crucial as they approach the decisive months of their promotion push. Additionally, Leeds fans will not want to see their side lose to a fierce rival, regardless of squad rotations.
Millwall’s Resurgence Under Alex Neil
Millwall, currently 13th in the Championship table, have endured a mixed season but have shown signs of improvement since Alex Neil took over as manager. They come into this game on a four-match unbeaten run and have won their last three league matches, putting themselves on the fringes of the play-off race.
Neil has made Millwall a more difficult side to break down, and their recent upturn in form suggests they will not be pushovers at Elland Road. They have already proven they can beat Leeds this season, having secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over them at The Den in November.
One key factor in Millwall’s favor is that Neil is likely to name a strong side for this fixture. Unlike Leeds, who have a relentless Championship schedule to consider, Millwall are not in direct contention for automatic promotion and may see the FA Cup as a realistic opportunity to achieve success this season. Their away form has also improved under Neil, with the team yet to lose on the road since his appointment.
Chris Sutton’s Prediction: A Shock Millwall Win?
Football pundit Chris Sutton has tipped Millwall to cause an upset in this tie, predicting a 2-1 win for the visitors after extra time. Writing in BBC Sport on 6 February, Sutton admitted he found it difficult to call but ultimately felt that Farke’s expected squad rotation could play into Millwall’s hands.
“This is an awkward one to call because of Leeds’ situation,” Sutton said. “They are five points clear at the top of the Championship after beating Coventry on Wednesday, but four teams are still going for those two automatic promotion spots. Promotion is their priority, and I think their manager Daniel Farke will make quite a few changes here.
“I don’t agree with that thinking, but I can kind of understand it. I’d love to see Leeds really have a go in the FA Cup, but they play Watford in the Championship next Tuesday. Their schedule is relentless, and the financial rewards of going up – or the consequences of missing out – are huge.
“Farke is not the only former Norwich boss involved here – Alex Neil is a pretty shrewd manager who is on a good little run with Millwall, and they have just won three games in a row to put themselves on the fringe of the play-off race.
“I had to think quite a lot about this one, but I am going to go with Millwall to cause an upset. They have already beaten Leeds this season at The Den in November, and Leeds have only lost one of their 18 games since. But this prediction is based more on the kind of team I am expecting Leeds will put out because I think Farke is more likely to put out a weakened team than Neil. Prediction: 1-2 after extra time.”
Key Factors That Could Decide the Game
- Leeds United’s Team Selection
Daniel Farke faces a tough decision on how to approach this fixture. If he fields a weakened team, as Sutton predicts, Millwall will have a much better chance of pulling off an upset. However, if Leeds opt to play a strong XI, their superior quality should give them the edge.
- Millwall’s Defensive Organization
Under Alex Neil, Millwall have tightened up defensively and have become harder to break down. If they can frustrate Leeds and limit their attacking opportunities, they could find themselves in a position to nick a goal on the counter-attack or from a set-piece.
- The Elland Road Factor
Leeds United’s home form has been sensational this season, and Elland Road has become a fortress once again. The home crowd will play a crucial role in pushing their team forward, and this could make it difficult for Millwall to settle into the game.
- The Rivalry Element
Matches between Leeds and Millwall are always intense, and this game will be no different. With bragging rights on the line, both sets of players will be fired up for the occasion. Leeds will not want to suffer a second defeat to Millwall this season, while the visitors will relish the chance to knock their rivals out of the cup.
Final Thoughts: Will Leeds Prioritize the FA Cup?
While the FA Cup remains a prestigious competition, Leeds United’s main objective this season is securing promotion to the Premier League. Farke must carefully balance his squad selection to ensure his players remain fresh for the crucial league fixtures ahead.
However, with a winning mentality established at Elland Road and the motivation of avenging their earlier defeat to Millwall, Leeds will still be keen to progress to the next round. The danger lies in disrupting their momentum by making too many changes.
If Leeds go strong, they should have enough quality to get the job done. But if Farke decides to rotate heavily, Millwall could well capitalize and pull off an upset.
One thing is certain – this will be a fiercely contested encounter, and both teams will be determined to come out on top.