The FA Cup Fourth Round delivers a compelling cross-division clash this Sunday, February 15, 2026, as League One high-flyers Birmingham City host Premier League side Leeds United. Kick-off is set for 12:00 GMT at St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park.
Birmingham, managed by Chris Davies, booked their spot with a gritty 3–2 win over Cambridge United and are currently enjoying a stellar domestic campaign. Leeds, led by Daniel Farke, arrives in the Midlands looking to maintain their top-flight status while navigating a tricky cup tie against a "Blues" side that feels much stronger than their third-tier label suggests.
Match Information
| Feature | Details |
| Competition | Emirates FA Cup (Fourth Round) |
| Date | Sunday, February 15, 2026 |
| Kick-off | 12:00 GMT / 07:00 ET |
| Venue | St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park, Birmingham |
| Referee | TBD |
| TV Channel | TNT Sports (UK) / ESPN+ (US) |
Birmingham City: The League One Juggernaut
Birmingham has been the dominant force in League One this season, but their depth is being tested. Despite several defensive injuries, the "Blues" remain unbeaten in their last six matches and will view this as a prime opportunity to claim a Premier League scalp in front of a sold-out home crowd.
Team News and Selection:
Injury Boost: Demarai Gray is expected to return to the squad following a calf injury, providing a massive creative boost.
Defensive Absences: Jack Robinson, Alex Cochrane, and Ethan Laird are all likely to miss out, though Laird and Robinson are nearing returns later this month.
Key Man: Jay Stansfield remains the focal point of the attack. Having been the hero in previous rounds, his movement will be vital against a top-flight backline.
Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Beadle; Neumann, Klarer, Wagner; Iwata, Paik, Solis, Osman; Roberts, Gray (or Willumsson); Stansfield.
Leeds United: Farke’s Survivalists
Leeds arrives after a confidence-boosting 3–1 win over Nottingham Forest, but Daniel Farke has been forced to manage a squad hit by recent illness and hip injuries. With a relegation battle looming in the Premier League, Farke may rotate, but the FA Cup remains a prestigious distraction for the Elland Road faithful.
Team News and Selection:
Injury News: Pascal Struijk and Anton Stach are confirmed absentees with hip problems.
The "DCL" Watch: Dominic Calvert-Lewin is fighting to be fit following a recent illness. If he can't start, Noah Okafor or Joel Piroe will likely lead the line.
Returnee: Defender Jaka Bijol is back in contention after a hamstring injury and could reinforce the defense.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Darlow; Bogle, Rodon, Bijol, Justin; Ampadu, Gruev; Gnonto, Aaronson, James; Calvert-Lewin (or Okafor).
? Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats
Historic Rivalry: These two haven't drawn any of their last 12 matches against each other, suggesting a decisive result is on the cards.
Overall Record: Birmingham holds a slight historical edge with 34 wins to Leeds' 30.
FA Cup H2H: In three previous FA Cup meetings, the record is perfectly balanced: 1 win for Birmingham, 1 win for Leeds, and 1 draw.
Goals Expected: Both teams have seen Over 2.5 goals in the majority of their recent matches.
Tactical Preview and Prediction
Chris Davies has Birmingham playing an expansive style that often overwhelms League One opponents. Against Leeds, they will likely look to use the atmosphere of St. Andrew's to unsettle the visitors early. Leeds, however, under Farke, are experts at absorbing pressure and hitting teams with the pace of Daniel James and Wilfried Gnonto.
The midfield battle between Ethan Ampadu and Birmingham's Seung-Ho Paik will be critical. If Birmingham can exploit the absence of Struijk in the Leeds defense, an upset is well within reach. However, Leeds' Premier League quality in the final third often proves the difference in these ties.
Final Score Prediction: Birmingham City 1–2 Leeds United
