Football
Derby County vs Leeds United Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
Date: January 11, 2026 Venue: Prime Park Stadium Kickoff Time: 14:00 The FA Cup has always had a way of pulling old rivals back into the spotlight, and this finely poised meeting between Derby County and Leeds feels steeped in exactly that tradition. The best football betting sites will have all the betting potential to dive into ahead of kickoff. Two clubs with proud histories, passionate followings, and plenty of shared memories will collide with progression in the world’s oldest cup competition on the line. Whether fighting for promotion, pride, or survival, clashes between the Rams and the Whites have often carried a sense of grudging respect mixed with fierce competitiveness, and the FA Cup only amplifies that feeling. It’s the kind of setting where moments will be remembered forever, and where heroes can emerge when it matters most.
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Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Leeds United celebrates with his teammates
The atmosphere is expected to be electric from long before kickoff at the Prime Park Stadium as Derby County face Leeds in this exciting FA Cup tie on 11 January 2026. Past meetings have been defined by physical contests, tactical chess matches, and moments of individual brilliance, with neither side ever willing to give an inch. Form and league status often fade into the background on days like this, which will see belief, bravery, and momentum take over.
Pre-Game Odds & Win Probability
HOME (DERBY COUNTY): 21/5 (5.20) – 19.2%
DRAW: 57/20 (3.85) – 26%
AWAY (LEEDS): 1.65 (13/20) – 60.6%
Odds courtesy of William Hill, subject to change.
Head-To-Head Record
Last five meetings (All Competitions)
29/12/2024: Derby 0-1 Leeds
07/12/2024: Leeds 2-0 Derby
19/07/2020: Derby 1-3 Leeds
21/09/2019: Leeds 1-1 Derby
15/05/2019: Leeds 2-4 Derby
Derby County Current Form – LWLDD
Derby have faced many challenges over the last few seasons, from inconsistency to managerial issues that have had a major impact on their performances, but coach John Eustace seems to have poured water on the fire with the Rams now seeing themselves sitting mid-table and within touching distance of those coveted playoff positions.
Coming into this fixture, Derby has put together a reasonable run of games, which has seen them draw back-to-back fixtures against Birmingham and Portsmouth, two matches where they deserved more than just a point after showing grit and determination to play on the front foot. After a demanding away fixture to Birmingham, they lost to Leicester City in a fixture they were in control of.
With the opportunity to bounce back and begin the new year with a victory at home after three winless matches, the Rams did so in a hard-fought win against playoff contenders Middlesbrough, followed by another tough matchup with Wrexham, which saw them record their first defeat of the year. Coach Eustace will be determined to make it three wins in a row when they host Leeds, especially being at home again.
Key Players To Watch
- Bobby Clark: Clark is a promising midfielder with a strong engine, technical ability, and tactical intelligence. He has excellent ball control and vision, allowing him to retain possession and find key passes in the final third to put his teammates in on goal as the creative hub in midfield.
- Patrick Agyemang: Agyemang is a dynamic attacking player and has been another reference in attack for the Rams. He excels at using his powerful frame to win aerial duels, quick first step to create space and take defenders on skill in the final third, while being an instinctive finisher.
- Joseph Ward: Ward is a versatile right-sided player who can operate as a winger or wing-back. His work ethic and quality on the ball allow him to bomb down the flank, contributing to goals and assists, which make him vital on both ends of the field for Derby.
Derby County Team News
Max Johnston (hamstring) is closing in on a return after making great progress on his hamstring injury. Carlton Morris (knee) is a huge miss upfront as he continues to work his way back to full fitness and targets a comeback early next month.
Leeds United Current Form – DDDWD
Leeds enters the second half of the season with extreme confidence. Finding their sweet spot and the right time, the Whites displayed their growth and collective strength to compete with some of the stronger teams in the league in recent weeks. However, Daniel Farke knows they are still under pressure at the bottom of the table, and the potential of being dragged into the relegation zone is a reality.
In picking up momentum during this tricky period, Leeds have strung together a commendable unbeaten run that saw them share the spoils with Brentford, crush Crystal Palace with a dominant performance, come away from Sunderland with a well-deserved point, and take points off defending champions Liverpool before welcoming Man United to Elland Road.
After being stretched and tested to the final whistle at Anfield, Farke and his men used the energy from the home fans to let the Red Devils know that recent results are no accident after delivering another strong performance before traveling to Tyneside to take on Newcastle. Now with the Rams as the main focus, it’s an opportunity to assert their authority and push one step closer to a deep cup run.
Key Players To Watch
- Anton Stach: Stack is beginning to build a reputation for himself by consistently putting in solid performances. He’s intelligent, creative, and very effective at both ends of the pitch, making him a well-rounded presence in midfield for Leeds.
- Brenden Aaronson: Aaronson brings high energy and creativity in attack for the Whites. He makes intelligent runs off the ball, has the skill and speed to take opponents on when making progressive runs into the final third, while having expert vision and passing ability to create chances.
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin: Calvert-Lewin is not just the danger man up front but is the highest scoring Englishman in the Premier League, proving how pivotal he has been for Leeds and how confident he is in his ability at the moment. With the form he is in, he’s a player to keep an eye on in this matchup.
Leeds United Team News
Joe Rodon (ankle) and Sean Longstaff (calf) could find themselves back in the matchday squad by the end of January, as they both work their way back to full fitness from their respective injuries.
Predicted Line-Up
Derby County: 3-5-2
Widell, Langas, Sanderson, Clarke, Thompson, Adams, Ward, Clark, Elder, Brereton, AgyemangLeeds United: 3-5-2
Perri, Justin, Bijol, Struijk, Ampadu, Bogle, Aaronson, Stach, Gudmundsson, Okafor, Calvert-Lewin
Suggested Bets
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Leeds To Win (Yes): Leeds are above their hosts in status and quality, which will see them impose themselves towards victory. 13/20 (1.65) with Betway.
Both Teams To Score (Yes): Both teams have power in attack, expect goals from both sides on the day. 99/100 (1.99) with William Hill
Total (Over 2.5): With the magic of the FA Cup, this fixture will open up and deliver many scoring opportunities. 99/100 (1.99) with Hollywoodbets.
Value Bets
Stay one step ahead with expert insights and tips that highlight where the real value lies when making informed selections.
Anytime Goal Scorer (Dominic Calvert-Lewin): Calvert-Lewin is in his best scoring form and will be the game changer in this fixture. 8/5 (2.60) with Unibet.
Half Time/ Full Time (Draw/Leeds): The first half may be evenly contested, but as time progresses and concentration levels drop, Leeds will be strong enough to secure the win. 17/5 (4.40) with Betway.
Winning Margin (Leeds by 1): Past fixtures have been decided by fine margins, and this fixture will have the same feeling about it. 5/2 (3.50) with Midnite.
Prediction: Leeds United To Win
Leeds will travel knowing how tough and demanding this fixture will be, but with the confidence they are playing with, the Whites will be a class above their opponents on the day, which will give them the required edge to come away with a victory and claim a spot in the next round of the FA Cup.
A dedicated sports lover with a wealth of experience in the sports betting world, Marc Strydom has mostly worked as an Editor-in-chief of a sports betting newspaper in South Africa. Marc’s enthusiasm covers many sports, though he is most passionate about football and the NBA. He has covered a wide range of topics on multiple respected platforms.