Birmingham hold their own as Leeds struggle in FA Cup fourth-round showdown

At St Andrew’s, Birmingham served notice they would not be mere hosts in this fa cup fourth-round tie, soaking up possession from a changed Leeds side and creating the clearer opportunities in a first half that finished level. Kick-off for the early game began at 7: 00 AM ET.

Team news and build-up

Leeds made a string of alterations for the trip, handing Facundo Buonanotte his first start for the club while Lucas Perri took the gloves. The back line featured James Justin wearing the captain's armband alongside Jaka Bijol, Sebastian Bornauw and Gabriel Gudmundsson. Sean Longstaff partnered Ao Tanaka in midfield, and the attacking unit included Willy Gnonto, Noah Okafor and Lukas Nmecha.

Birmingham set up as a compact, high-energy unit, pressing Leeds early and forcing the visitors into a tentative opening 25 minutes. The hosts had the game's better spells and tested the goalkeeper several times, with a succession of corners and crosses designed to unsettle the defence.

First-half snapshot: chances, cards and key moments

Birmingham's best opening came early when Jay Stansfield met a loose ball on the edge of the box and unleashed a powerful volley that Lucas Perri turned onto the post with a fingertip save. That stop proved emblematic of the half: the home side creating the more threatening moments, the visitors relying on moments of individual quality and the goalkeeper to keep the scoreline level.

The opening 20 minutes favoured the hosts in tangible terms. Leeds faced seven shots in that period — their most in the opening 20 minutes of an FA Cup game since the 2023-24 fourth round meeting with Accrington Stanley — and were often pinned back by a high press. Despite a decent share of possession, Leeds had not forced a serious save beyond the Stansfield chance by the interval.

Discipline began to matter. Jhon Solís picked up an early yellow for a pull on Gudmundsson and then kicked the ball away, drawing further attention. Another player, Vicente, was shown a yellow for simulation after going to ground in the box, a decision that halted one promising attack and left the referee vigilant for further stoppages.

Outside the pitch, supporters and players paused for a minute's applause in the 13th minute as a mark of unity and goodwill for a person connected with the club who is recovering from a health issue.

Commentary from a former striker at the ground captured the frustration among some fans, suggesting Leeds were being outworked and outplayed in the opening stages. That sentiment reflected the scoreboard at half-time: 0-0, but an advantage in momentum for Birmingham.

What the second half must deliver

For Leeds, the second half will be about rhythm and urgency. Daniel Farke's rotated side needs more forward thrust and composure in the final third; sustained possession must translate into meaningful chances rather than isolated long-range efforts. The manager will undoubtedly be hoping for sharper link-up play from Buonanotte and greater influence from the wide players.

Birmingham, buoyed by their first-half showing, will aim to maintain intensity, keep Leeds uncomfortable when on the ball and press for that decisive opening. Set pieces and second balls have already produced the game’s two best chances, and continued focus in those areas could force a breakthrough.

With the tie finely poised, the early FA Cup kick-off set up an intriguing second half between a disciplined Championship side and a Premier League squad searching for fluency. Both managers face clear choices on personnel and tactics if this contest is to be settled before extra time.