Farke: Winning FA Cup Would Mark a Historic Chapter for Leeds

Leeds United travel to the London Stadium on Sunday to face West Ham in the FA Cup quarter-final. Daniel Farke stressed the tie will be taken very seriously. He added: “Winning FA Cup Would Mark a Historic Chapter for Leeds.”

Leeds’ cup run and recent history

This trip gives Leeds a shot at their first FA Cup semi-final since 1986-87. The club fell at the quarter-final stage on several notable occasions since then. Opponents included Liverpool, Wolves and Sheffield United in past eliminations.

Key past quarter-final exits occurred in 1995-96, 1997-98 and 2002-03. Reaching a semi would end more than three decades without progress beyond this round.

League concerns and team selection

Leeds sit four points above the Premier League relegation zone. A difficult trip to Manchester United follows next weekend.

Farke said the Premier League remains the club’s main priority. He also stated he values knockout football and plans to name a strong starting lineup. He wants players to keep match rhythm and avoid excessive rotation.

West Ham’s position and form

West Ham are currently in the relegation zone. They sit only one point behind Tottenham before hosting Wolves.

The Hammers have a mixed FA Cup record at this stage. They were last at this phase in 2015-16, when they lost a replay to Manchester United. Historically, West Ham have been eliminated in eight of their last ten quarter-final appearances.

Managers’ outlook

Nuno Espírito Santo said his squad will focus on the cup game. He added the team prepares one match at a time and aims to advance.

Nuno also acknowledged the match’s importance to fans and asked for their support. He described the occasion as significant and said the squad is excited.

Reporting by Filmogaz.com.