Leeds United are in a remarkable form in the Championship at the moment and they would definitely like to extend that form to the cup competitions when they visit the Abbey Stadium to play Cambridge United in the 3rd round of the FA Cup. Although Cambridge are in the fourth tier of the English football, FA Cup is known to produce some of the major upsets over the years and Preston North End’s recent scare to North London giants Arsenal on Saturday is a clear indication of it.
Garry Monk might hand chances to some of his non-starters in this tie but he will definitely be wary of the threat Shaun Derry’s men could pose at their backyard. More significantly, a loss here may affect Leeds United’s season progress morally.
A positive sign is Leeds United’s away form. They have collected 19 points from their 12 away games, which is the sixth best in the Championship this season and Monk would expect his boys to get the job done and progress to the fourth round.
Predicted 4-4-2 Leeds United Lineup To Ease Past Cambridge United In The FA Cup
Defence
Marco Silvestri is likely to be in contention for the starting line-up. Monk might want to rest his first-choice goalie Robert Green as they have a huge fixture against Derby County next Friday and keeping his best shot stopper fit would be a priority.
The one defender, who is most definitely starting at the back four is Pontus Jansson. The Swedish international a clause in his loan deal, which will help the Whites to sign him on a permanent basis after 22 appearances for a fee of £3.5m. He already has 20 games under his belt and Monk surely won’t waste this chance to get closer to the target.
Liam Cooper might replace Kyle Bartley in the centre-back role, who is in good touch and would be needed 100 percent fit for the game against Derby.
Young Tyler Denton is expected to replace Gaetano Berardi in the left-back role. Although Lewie Coyle is back in training from his injury, he is unlikely to be fit for the game and hence Monk would have to start with Luke Ayling in the right-back position.