The historic rivalry between Derby County and Leeds United enters a new chapter today, Sunday, January 11, 2026, as the two sides meet in the FA Cup Third Round. Kick-off is scheduled for 12:00 GMT at a sold-out Pride Park.
This match marks the first FA Cup encounter between the "Rams" and the "Whites" since 1996. With a fierce history ranging from the legendary battles of the 70s to the "Spygate" drama of 2019, both sets of fans are expecting an electric atmosphere.
Match Details: Kick-off & Official Info
Competition: FA Cup (Third Round)
Date: Sunday, January 11, 2026
Kick-off: 12:00 GMT / 07:00 ET
Venue: Pride Park Stadium, Derby
Referee: Anthony Taylor
Broadcast: TNT Sports 2 (UK), ESPN+ (US)
The Storyline: Terry Yorath Tribute & Rivalry Renewed
Leeds United: Shaking Off Midweek Heartbreak
Daniel Farke’s Leeds United side arrives in the East Midlands looking to atone for a chaotic midweek 4–3 loss to Newcastle United. Prior to that defeat, Leeds had been on an impressive seven-match unbeaten streak in the Premier League, including victories over Chelsea and Crystal Palace. Currently sitting 16th in the top flight, Farke is expected to balance squad rotation with the desire for a deep cup run.
Derby County: The "Giant-Killer" Ambition
John Eustace’s Derby County, currently 12th in the Championship, have a proud recent record against Premier League opposition in this competition, having knocked out West Brom and Crystal Palace in recent years. However, the Rams are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2–1 home defeat to Wrexham on New Year's Day.
A Tribute to a Legend
Both teams will wear black armbands today to honor the memory of Terry Yorath, a true legend of both clubs who sadly passed away earlier this week. A minute’s applause is scheduled prior to kick-off to celebrate his immense contribution to English football.
Team News & Confirmed Lineups
Leeds United Team News
Starts: Veteran Karl Darlow gets the nod in goal. Lukas Nmecha and Noah Okafor lead a high-octane attack.
Absentees: Daniel James remains out with a thigh injury. Joe Rodon is rested following fatigue.
Confirmed XI (3-4-3): Darlow; Bornauw, Bijol, Ampadu; Gnonto, Gruev, Tanaka, Harrison; Okafor, Piroe, Nmecha.
Derby County Team News
Missing: Star striker Carlton Morris is out with an ankle injury. David Ozoh and Max Johnston are also sidelined.
Confirmed XI (4-4-1-1): Zetterström; Ward, Langås, Batth, Forsyth; Brereton Díaz, Travis, Fraulo, Blackett-Taylor; Clark; Salvesen.
Head-to-Head (H2H) & Key Stats
Historical Advantage: Leeds has won 54 of the 115 meetings between these clubs, while Derby has 26 wins.
Recent Form: Leeds has won their last three consecutive matches against Derby County.
The "Spygate" Referee: Interestingly, referee Anthony Taylor was the man in charge during Derby's famous 4–2 play-off semi-final win at Elland Road in 2019.
Goal Streak: Derby has scored at least once in each of their last 16 matches across all competitions.
Tactical Analysis: High-Press vs. Defensive Structure
Leeds' 3-4-3 formation suggests a very aggressive, attack-minded approach from Daniel Farke, utilizing Wilfried Gnonto and Jack Harrison as high-energy wing-backs. Without recognized full-backs in the starting XI, Leeds will look to overwhelm Derby with sheer numbers in the final third.
Derby will likely rely on the experience of Curtis Davies at the back and the industriousness of Lewis Travis in midfield to weather the early storm. The pace of Corey Blackett-Taylor on the break will be the Rams' primary weapon against a Leeds defense that looked vulnerable in transition against Newcastle.
Match Prediction
While the "magic of the cup" often favors the underdog at Pride Park, the sheer depth of Leeds’ attacking talent—even with rotation—should prove too much for the Championship side.
Final Score Prediction: Derby 1–2 Leeds
