Leeds United team news as Daniel Farke makes eight changes for Derby County clash | OneFootball

Daniel Farke has rotated heavily for Leeds United’s FA Cup tie at Derby County, making eight changes and recalling Karl Darlow in goal, according to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk.

Leeds begin their 2025/26 FA Cup campaign at Pride Park at lunchtime. Derby sit 13th in the Championship under John Eustace, who has troubled Leeds in recent years.

Farke said on Thursday he would not take risks with his players after a hectic Premier League schedule. He had already confirmed Darlow would replace Lucas Perri for this tie.

Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw and Ethan Ampadu start as a back three, with Jack Harrison and Willy Gnonto at left and right wing-back. Ilia Gruev and Ao Tanaka anchor midfield.

Joel Piroe makes his first start since Arsenal in August, expected to operate behind Noah Okafor and Luks Nmecha. Sam Byram has shaken off back problems to make the bench, joined by academy prospect Sam Chambers.

Brenden Aaronson, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Anton Stach add further attacking options among the substitutes.

Sean Longstaff returns from a calf issue to feature on the bench, while Jayden Bogle is not risked after missing full training on Thursday.

Starting XI: Darlow, Bornauw, Bijol, Ampadu, Gnonto, Gruev, Tanaka, Piroe, Harrison, Okafor, Nmecha. Subs: Perri, Byram, Justin, Struijk, Longstaff, Stach, Aaronson, Chambers, Calvert-Lewin.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk