Ethan Ampadu: The FA Cup is special | OneFootball

Leeds United have been in impressive form in the Premier League, winning four and losing just two of their last 13 matches, and fought from two goals behind to draw with Chelsea away from home during the week.

And in the Emirates FA Cup, Daniel Farke’s men will look to sustain their winter momentum as they visit Sky Bet Championship side Birmingham City in the Fourth Round on Sunday.

Leeds have an illustrious history in the competition, winning the trophy in its centenary edition of 1972, and will be aiming to reach the Fifth Round for the third time in four years after rallying to beat Derby County 3-1 last month as this term’s campaign got underway.

Ahead of the clash with the West Midlands outfit, captain Ethan Ampadu spoke exclusively to Premier League Productions.

“I think it is going to be very difficult,” the midfielder said. “The game against Derby was a tight game. Our quality showed at the end. We want to get to the next round, so we want to try and control the game and win the game of football.

“The cup is maybe a little bit like the Play-Offs, it is one game so you know you have to win it. And that is what we are going to try and do.”

Two years ago, with just one senior goal to Ampadu’s name to that point, the Whites faced EFL League One side Peterborough United in the Third Round.

Lightning struck twice that day, as the Wales international scored his first and second Leeds goals from a pair of set pieces. And then, of course, he found the assist for that Patrick Bamford volley.

Now, memories of that afternoon and the magic of the prestigious competition will help drive the skipper on as the team look to go deep into the tournament.

“The FA Cup is special. It is definitely still as special as people thought it once was, that community, it is that trophy. You always want to play in this competition.”