Leeds vs Norwich and more: FA Cup fifth round talking points

Leeds' difficult juggling act gives Norwich an opportunity

Leeds vs Norwich, Sunday, kick-off 4.30pm

Leeds have only lost two of their last 15 meetings with Norwich, and both of those came when Daniel Farke, who now occupies the home dugout at Elland Road, was in charge of Sunday's visitors.

Farke, of course, still holds a special place in the hearts of Canaries fans for the joy of two promotion-winning campaigns between 2019-2021.

Philippe Clement is a man on his own mission, though. Norwich were relegation-bound before the Belgian arrived, keen to prove his credentials in the English leagues after taking a stab at Scotland and falling foul of Celtic's unrelenting dominance. Overseeing Rangers' first home loss to St Mirren since 1991 in his final act in charge wasn't exactly the highlight of his tumultuous tenure at Ibrox.

A year on, horizons appear much brighter. Clement's style of football has been well received at Norwich and there is substance to match, too, with eight victories in their last 10 league and cup outings. He will be aware that Leeds have already beaten two Championship sides en route to the fifth round but hopeful his side can catch Farke juggling priorities.

Leeds play Crystal Palace and Brentford in their next two Premier League games, needing points in both to stave off any threat of relegation talk ramping up again.

Laura Hunter

A big chance for Brentford?

West Ham vs Brentford, Monday, kick-of 7.30pm

As much as West Ham would love a cup run, Nuno Espirito Santo has bigger concerns in the final three months of the season with the Hammers battling to stay in the Premier League.

An upturn in form has made that a far more realistic prospect than it looked at the start of 2026, but a potential three further games and the associated distraction is probably not what his side needs right now.

You could make some of the same points for Keith Andrews' Brentford as they chase a first-ever season in Europe - but without the same pressure and with a week's rest before they face Wolves live on Monday Night Football, there is no reason for them not to go with a strong line-up.

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