GOOD CUP RUN IS NO DISTRACTION FOR DAN

DANIEL FARKE insists an FA Cup run can only boost Leeds’ challenge for automatic promotion into the Premier League.

Farke’s side face Plymouth on the back of four straight league wins that have taken them to within two points of the Championship top two.

The manager (above) believes the break for cup action is not a distraction – and wants to secure a place in the fifth round to maintain his side’s momentum.

He said: “We take this game more than seriously.

“We are deep believers in a cup competition and cup runs. Whenever we represent Leeds United, we want to be at our best and this is also an important game for us.

“We want to go through into the next round and that is definitely for sure. We still want to go with a strong starting XI because we want to go into the next round.

“We want to keep this run going and stay in our rhythm. For that it’s important to find a good balance between really wanting to win this game and, on the other hand, not doing anything stupid in risking players.”

With that in mind, Farke is ready to shake up his side (Patrick Bamford, who scored a wonder goal in the last round, below) for the visit of the Pligrims.

He added: “Obviously, we make some changes and my players sense this.

“It’s also a good chance to shine and make sure we want to win.

“We know it’s the third game in six days and a quick turnaround. I wasn’t concerned about the turnaround with the last game but this one – with having a game late on Wednesday and then Saturday afternoon – it’s more tricky. So for that there will be a few more changes than you would perhaps expect for a league game.

“It’s about the whole group being greedy to win, even the players who will be on the bench or perhaps not in the squad – they will be there and highly motivated because we have a chance to go into the last 16 and in a few games you could win this cup.

“You never know, we are always trying to write a chapter in the club’s history.

“It’s too early to speak about this but each and every round that you edge a bit further... believe me, we are highly motivated.”