Leeds United vs Plymouth
FA Cup
4th round
Saturday
27th January 2024
Elland Road
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the FA cup 4th round fixture between Leeds United and Plymouth.
Leeds United vs Plymouth: Preview
Leeds United form analysis
After a difficult first half of the season, Leeds United seems to have hit improved form since the World Cup break. On December 30th, Leeds suffered a disappointing 1-0 away loss to West Bromwich Albion. However, just days later on New Year’s Day, Leeds earned an emphatic 3-0 home win over Birmingham City. Patrick Bamford, Daniel James and Crysencio Summerville provided the goals as Leeds dominated.
That performance carried over away to Cardiff City on January 13th, with Bamford, James and Georginio Rutter leading Leeds to another 3-0 victory. Leeds faced a tougher test on January 21st at home against Preston North End, conceding early before James equalized and Joe Piroe’s late penalty secured a 2-1 comeback win. Most recently on January 25th, Bamford’s early goal gave Leeds a 1-0 home win over Norwich City. Leeds has rediscovered their attacking threat, scoring 9 goals in their last five league games.
Plymouth form analysis
Plymouth Argyle’s recent form has shown both attacking prowess and defensive vulnerability. On Boxing Day they played to an entertaining 2-2 draw away to Cardiff City. Despite twice taking the lead through Morgan Whittaker goals, defensive lapses cost Plymouth two points. Three days later it was another narrow 2-1 loss away to Southampton, with Ryan Hardie’s late strike only a consolation after defensive issues surfaced again.
But on New Year’s Day Plymouth rebounded with a thrilling 3-3 home draw against Watford, as Whittaker and Hardie both scored along with Finn Azaz in a back-and-forth contest. The leaky defense remained on January 13th away to Huddersfield Town however, as Town equalized despite Whittaker putting Plymouth ahead early. Finally, Plymouth earned an important 3-1 home win over Cardiff City on January 20th with Whittaker and a Hardie brace leading the scoring. Overall, Plymouth’s defense has consistently conceded goals. Tightening up defensively could prove very useful.
