Preview: Leeds United vs. Plymouth Argyle - prediction, team news, lineups

These two sides currently sit in fourth and 15th place in the standings courtesy of recent strong form by their own standards.

Match preview

There have been times this season when Leeds have looked an ordinary outfit under Daniel Farke, enduring stints at the start of the campaign and in December that have left them playing catch-up.

Nevertheless, for the first time this season, the Yorkshire giants have put together a five-match winning streak to lift hopes that they can enjoy a successful 2023-24.

The four victories in the Championship have been most valuable, Leeds defeating Birmingham City, Cardiff City, Preston North End and Norwich City to heap the pressure on second-placed Ipswich Town.

On Wednesday night, an early goal from Patrick Bamford proved to be the difference against the Canaries, extending Leeds' unbeaten home record in the league to 15 matches.

Farke's side reached the last 32 of the FA Cup through overcoming Peterborough United on away territory by a 3-0 scoreline, Bamford also scoring one of the goals of the season in that tie.

While Leeds are the clear favourites to win this fixture, Ian Foster will be delighted with the start of his reign at Plymouth.

After a 3-1 triumph over Sutton United in this competition, four points have been accumulated from Championship fixtures against Huddersfield Town and Cardiff respectively.

As a result, Plymouth are now a massive nine points clear of the relegation zone at a time when their only defeat in eight league games came at Southampton by a 2-1 scoreline.

With no clean sheets in eight matches in all competitions, Foster will not get ahead of himself, but the foundations have been laid for Plymouth to be able to enjoy the rest of the season, potentially with a cup run to complement their league efforts.

Leeds United FA Cup form:

W

Leeds United form (all competitions):

L

W

W

W

W

W

Plymouth Argyle FA Cup form:

W

Plymouth Argyle form (all competitions):

D

L

D

W

D

W

Team News

With this being Leeds' third game in less than a week, Farke will almost certainly make a number of changes to his starting lineup.

Although Wilfried Gnonto remains a doubt with a hip injury, Ian Poveda, Jaidon Anthony and Joel Piroe should come into the final third.

Goalkeeper Kristoffer Klaesson will hope to deputise for Illan Meslier while Jamie Shackleton, Liam Cooper and Sam Byram may all start in defence.

Meanwhile, Foster will make at least three changes to his Plymouth XI, a result of Darko Gyabi being unable to face his parent club, and Adam Forshaw and Alfie Devine being cup-tied.

Jordan Houghton, Adam Randell and Ben Waine may all be restored to the starting lineup, while Julio Pleguezuelo could start in defence.

Leeds United possible starting lineup:

Klaesson; Shackleton, Rodon, Cooper, Byram; Gruev, Kamara; Poveda, Rutter, Anthony; Piroe

Plymouth Argyle possible starting lineup:

Hazard; Pleguezuelo, Scarr, Galloway; Mumba, Houghton, Randell, Miller; Whittaker, Waine; Hardie

We say: Leeds United 3-1 Plymouth Argyle

While changes are expected from both sides, that should only add to the uncertainty of who prevails at Elland Road. Plymouth will back themselves to at least earn a replay, but Leeds should still have enough quality to come through regardless of the team that they select.

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