🎧 'If we lose it doesn't matter, but if we win it's great' published at 11:58 BST
11:58 BST
Leeds United are one game away from reaching their first FA Cup final since 1973. Jonathan Buchan, Adam Pope & Kaiser Chiefs' bassist Simon Rix preview the semi-final against Chelsea.
Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.
Farke on team fitness, being cup 'underdogs' and a 'magical night'published at 16:41 BST 23 April
16:41 BST 23 April
Katie Stafford BBC Sport journalist
Media caption,
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea at Wembley (kick-off 15:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Midfielder Ilia Gruev has a meniscus injury and will miss the remainder of the season. Farke said "it's not ideal and we all feel for him," but he should return in time for pre-season.
Jayden Bogle "got a hit against his foot" but Farke is hopeful the right-back will be available for Sunday.
Defender Sebastiaan Bornauw "rolled his ankle" in the warm-up to the Bournemouth game and hasn't trained since. Farke said "there's no ligament damage" so he expects him to return to group training on Friday.
Farke said "we won't do anything too special for this game" in terms of preparation or "overload the players with special plans they have never executed" because they need to keep it as "normal" as possible.
On carrying momentum in the game: "Everyone is in a good mood because we have nothing to lose and it's just another chance to write a bit more into this chapter of history. We can travel in a good mood with confidence. We travel with respect but not fearful."
He said "in one game there's always a chance" to cause an upset, even as "underdogs".
On opponents Chelsea: "We face a big name and play a side packed with top class players and unbelievable potential. We will stick to our DNA. We have to be brave, play on the front foot and threaten the opponents."
He highlighted the benefits of Leeds having "unity and confidence" while Chelsea enter the fixture having sacked their second permanent manger of the season on Wednesday.
On how his players might deal with the occasion: "I'm not concerned about the nerves because I trust my lads and my group. We have delivered in the past when there's been pressure. It's a big goal [to reach the final] and something we would like to do. If you are just one game away from the final then you want to reach that final."
His message to the fans: "Our supporters are the biggest asset of this club and a key role in our success in the last couple of years. Enjoy that we are back in the big time and in the spotlight. Sing out loud and be proud. Together with them we will try to work on another surprise and another magical night."
Chelsea given additional FA tickets for semi-finalpublished at 09:48 BST 23 April
09:48 BST 23 April
Nizaar Kinsella Chelsea reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea have introduced a ticket promotion for their FA Cup semi-final, with hundreds of seats still available to season-ticket holders and members.
At Wembley Stadium on Sunday, additional tickets are available together. Supporters are also being allowed to purchase up to three tickets, rather than the usual one.
Some supporters suggested this was due to a lack of demand but Chelsea have explained the new tickets have been acquired through the Football Association (FA).
Any member who has held their membership since 5 April can purchase a ticket, even if they have never attended a Chelsea match before.
Chelsea have been on a five-game losing run without a goal — their worst such sequence since 1912 — which was extended by Tuesday night's 3-0 defeat at Brighton.
Leeds were also granted a small additional allocation and have sold out their tickets twice over. The Yorkshire club contesting their first FA Cup semi-final since the 1986–87 season.
The match is also steeped in history since the 1970 FA Cup final, infamously dubbed one of the dirtiest matches in the competition's history and sparked a North-South rivalry between the two clubs.
Among the touting companies that could profit is Vivid Seats, which is part-owned by Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly, and is already selling seats for up to £1,705.
Chris: Once again we dominated a match, had numerous chances, got no luck from the officials and threw away two points! We should have won by three or four goals. We just cannot kill off teams, it is so frustrating. We should be comfortably in the European places this season but now it will be a scrap. A new striker has to be a priority for us this summer.
Terry: Positives were a great performance again and good goals. Jimenez is awesome, he's like a Duracell bunny and just keeps going. Hill was so unlucky after another solid game. We'll miss Senesi. I'm proud to be a Cherry. Negatives were VAR and officials.
John: I cannot believe that Evanilson's goal was not given, his hand was offside but you can't score with your hand! Also how does that Leeds goal count as the striker is offside and blocking Petrovic? It's madness! Overall another good display from the team.
Scott: The 2-2 draw still doesn't make sense, Bournemouth should've won 3-1 and would've been moved up to sixth place and chance for a European boost.
Andy: VAR again tried hard to ruin the game - ref was third rate at best. Cherries were the best team and result was injustice
Leeds fans
David: The great thing about this Leeds team is they never give up. Maybe we were lucky with the offside at the end, but it was an amazing strike by Sean Longstaff. Bournemouth definitely shaded it, but we showed true Yorkshire grit and resilience.
Jim: A well fought out game between two competitive teams. Leeds battled to the last minute. Delighted for Sean Longstaff, he's fighting hard to get back in the team, and what a great team spirit!
Chris: Leeds keep on improving and it's down to Daniel Farke who's found the way to get the best out of the team - not just with motivation but starting line-ups and earlier substitutions when needed. It's all part of the steep learning curve Leeds have been on in the Premier League. I have no doubt whatsoever Leeds are staying up this year as they'll take more points from the remaining games. The third-from-bottom position will go to the wire I think and Leeds might have a say against West Ham.
Analysis: Leeds subs make the differencepublished at 23:33 BST 22 April
23:33 BST 22 April
Sam Drury BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
What a few weeks it has been for Leeds, with reaching the magical 40-point mark just the latest big milestone checked off.
They were not able to make it three straight Premier League wins - but it might have felt as if they for those in the away end as Sean Longstaff's volley arrowed into the bottom corner.
Victory over Wolves on Saturday took them to the brink of safety - and a point here might just have completed the job.
Adding to their points tally did not seem likely when Bournemouth, having dominated the early part of the second half, went in front.
But Daniel Farke turned to his bench and the game changed. Lukas Nmecha quickly made life uncomfortable for the home defenders, while Wilfried Gnonto's quick feet and direct approach offered the visitors a different dimension to their attack.
It was the latter's effort that led to the goal for 1-1 and while Bournemouth dealt with the flurry that followed, Leeds had shown they could get at them.
There was not quite the same response when they fell behind again, with the home side twice coming close to extending their lead.
But Leeds regrouped. Ethan Ampadu's long throws had caused issues during the night and did so again as Longstaff levelled.
With an FA Cup semi-final to come this weekend, Leeds fans will hope the good times just keep coming.
Bournemouth 2-2 Leeds: What Farke and Longstaff saidpublished at 23:07 BST 22 April
23:07 BST 22 April
Media caption,
Farke delighted with hard-fought point at Bournemouth
Leeds boss Daniel Farke, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "I am experienced long enough in this world, we will celebrate when it's mathematically done. It's too early. We are on 40 points, seven games unbeaten in all competitions, so I am confident. Why should we lose the last four games?"
Leeds goalscorer Sean Longstaff, speaking to Sky Sports: "Bournemouth are the only team I seem to score against, but I'll take them when they come. I just tried to make sure I got half decent contact with the ball.
"In those situations, you don't really try and pick a spot, just hit it as hard as you can. That's the advice I got off Alan Shearer a few years ago."
On the game overall: "They are a good side. When you come here, the pitch feels tight and cramped, so people feel they have less time than they do. They're one of the best pressing teams in the league. We knew it was going to be tough. Everyone performed really well, and I think we deserved a point in the end."
On Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea: "All we can do is focus on us. We've been on a good run of form since the international break. We've not lost, so we're carrying on that confidence and, ultimately, we are a team that's together and we work so hard for each other. If we take out chances when they come, it could be a really special day for the football club."
Did you know?
Leeds United are unbeaten in their last six away games in the Premier League (W1 D5), their longest run in the competition since going six without defeat from August to October 2001.
Leeds United named an unchanged starting XI from one Premier League game to another for a ninth time this season, doing so more often than any other side this term.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke sticks with the same team that started both Saturday's 3-0 win over Wolves and the 2-1 victory at Manchester United last week.
Noah Okafor scored three times across those two games, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin's late penalty against Wolves ended the striker's six-game Premier League goal drought.
The Whites will move 11 points clear of the relegation zone with a win tonight.
They are not mathematically safe yet but they soon will be, because they have been phenomenal when I have watched them recently. They are so well organised and their system works - there is a lovely balance to their team and they have got a goal or two in them.
Eli Junior Kroupi's stoppage-time goal denied Leeds a win at Elland Road in September, but at that stage of the season Leeds had a habit of fading late in games - not any more.
Their previous away performance, for their win at Old Trafford, was absolutely outstanding and I can see them giving Bournemouth a good game.
The Cherries are playing with lots of confidence too, however, and they have not lost in the league since the start of January. I am going with them to nick this one, and leave Leeds with a little bit more work to do.
Bournemouth v Leeds: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 10:59 BST 22 April
10:59 BST 22 April
Sophie Brown BBC Sport journalist
Bournemouth host Leeds in a meeting of two in-form Premier League teams on Wednesday.
Cherries are unbeaten in their past 13 league matches, which is the best such run of any Premier League club this season, and are in firm contention to qualify for Europe for the first time.
That in a season which began with losing four of their first-choice back five from last season, and then their top scorer departed in January. In addition, last season's top scorer Justin Kluivert has not played since the beginning of the year because of injury.
Teenagers Rayan and Junior Kroupi have seamlessly stepped into the gaps left by Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo, with Kroupi becoming the first teenager to reach double figures in his maiden Premier League season since Robbie Keane in 1999-2000.
If there is room for improvement, it is in their home form. Bournemouth have won four of their past 10 league matches but all four victories have come away from Vitality Stadium. Meanwhile, they have drawn their past four at home - another stalemate would see them become the first Premier League club to draw five in a row at home since Burnley in 2021.
However, given this is the first home match since Andoni Iraola announced that he would be leaving at the end of the season, his side will be hoping to mark it with a win to end that run.
Leeds also seem to enjoy the spring season. They have won all of their past seven league matches in the month of April, keeping five clean sheets and conceding just twice.
Most recent - and arguably most important - was Saturday's 3-0 win over Wolves, which made it back-to-back league wins for the first time this season and earned three vital points which should secure their Premier League safety.
While not yet mathematically certain, but no team has ever been relegated after taking 39 or more points from their first 33 games of a 38-game Premier League season.
Leeds have lost just four of their 15 league games in 2026, with their form revival coinciding with that of Noah Okafor, who also happens to have scored in both of Leeds' away wins in the league this season.
The Swiss striker went 16 consecutive Premier League appearances without a goal or an assist between October and January, but has been involved in six goals across his past five appearances, with five goals and an assist. Only Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes has had more goal involvements since the beginning of February.
April has also provided a long overdue league victory at Old Trafford and a dramatic FA Cup quarter-final win over West Ham. A midweek win over Bournemouth would be the perfect way to prepare for Sunday's semi-final at Wembley, where Leeds are targeting a first FA Cup final for 53 years.
Farke's Bournemouth line-up 'will divide opinion'published at 16:06 BST 21 April
16:06 BST 21 April
Adonis Storr Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Daniel Farke has a wonderful problem: Bournemouth away midweek before the most prestigious match for Leeds since the Champions League semi-final 25 years ago.
Two outstanding results in the Premier League – a magnificent first league win at Old Trafford in 45 years and a professional performance against Wolves at the weekend, has seen Opta rate Leeds' chance of survival this season as 99.7%.
So with relegation all-but mathematically avoided, who do United risk on the south coast on Wednesday?
Should Farke field a weakened team or go full-strength?
If the German rests players, he runs the risk of losing the momentum accrued after the first back-to-back wins of the season.
But if he goes full-strength, he may unnecessarily risk key players ahead of the biggest game in some fans' lifetimes.
Ahead of the quarter-final, Farke said: "It's still not realistic for us to win the FA Cup, but who knows?"
Now, only two Wembley wins away, that old glittering silver trophy is tantalisingly close.
And should the German bring a major piece of silverware back to Leeds for the first time since 1992, he would have firmly stepped out of the shadow of many managers who preceded him, including Marcelo Bielsa.
The battle plan for the midweek fixture must be to stay healthy and keep the momentum going. But that is easier said than done against a Bournemouth team who are enjoying their longest unbeaten run in the Premier League.
Whatever Farke decides to do on Wednesday will probably divide opinion and he will only be universally praised if the team comes out unscathed and ready for battle on Sunday. A fierce rival and a chance to play in an FA Cup final is looming, but Leeds must take care of business first.
Farke on Rodon, 'one battle after another' and 'fantastic' Iraolapublished at 13:15 BST 21 April
13:15 BST 21 April
Millie Sian BBC Sport journalist
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Premier League game against Bournemouth at Vitality Stadium (kick-off 20:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
There are no fresh injury concerns and, barring any setbacks, centre-back Joe Rodon should be available having recovered from an ankle injury.
Daniel James (adductor) is back in training, but the winger will need "session after session" before making a return.
Anton Stach is still waiting to return first-team training, though. The midfielder will not travel with the squad to Vitality Stadium and Farke added it is "difficult to say" if he will be available for Leeds' FA Cup semi-final this weekend.
Farke added: "It is a crunch-time point in the season so I will push that he comes back into team training as soon as possible. It's a question of days not weeks, but he has to be 100% fit otherwise it makes no sense to bring him back."
Farke praised his whole squad for stepping up when called upon this season, adding: "When a player like Anton [Stach] or Joe [Rodon] isn't available, it's a chance for others to shine. The players that have come in have done really well, with more or less every player already having the chance to be in the starting line-up or chip in with our good results."
The Leeds boss said his side has "achieved a lot" in the past week, but "nothing is done yet" and it is important to "keep the foot on the gas" because "momentum can change pretty quickly" in top-flight football.
He added: "We know we're in a good moment right now and we're on more than just a good path, but we still need and want more points. We want to ride on this wave a bit longer."
The FA Cup semi-final on Sunday will not bear any impact on his approach to Wednesday's Premier League game: "It is one battle after another for us. We are just focused on our next game so nothing will distract us. Until Thursday morning, our only topic is Bournemouth."
Farke said Andoni Iraola has done a "fantastic job" at Bournemouth, transforming the club into "an established Premier League side which is improving year on year".
On Bournemouth's strengths, he said: "They have depth, threats in their offence, really good midfield players and quality in defence. It is no coincidence if you're 13 games unbeaten at this level, it will be a very tough trip. We have to be 100%, we cannot afford even 1% less than that."
Everyone must "stay humble" and "not get carried away by emotions" despite coming in off the back of "one of the best couple of weeks in the club's modern history", with two important fixtures ahead. Farke continued: "We will celebrate when there is something to celebrate. For now, it is crucial that we use the confidence, feel-good factor and momentum."
When asked to cast his memory back to November, when Leeds were in a much tougher position, he replied in jest: "I don't want to go back to November, if I'm honest, it's nice outside! The sun shining and the cherry blossom is out, it's much nicer in April."
Who's favourite to get the last relegation spot?published at 08:42 BST 21 April
08:42 BST 21 April
Sam Drury BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
West Ham's draw against Crystal Palace on Monday night, means it is essentially 'as you were' in the battle against relegation, with Tottenham still two points from safety as they fight to avoid a first top-flight demotion since 1977.
Leeds and Nottingham Forest were the two big winners from the latest round of fixtures as both claimed big home wins to move eight and five points from the drop zone, respectively.
For Daniel Farke's Leeds side, that might prove to be enough and they will hope they soon find themselves excluded from the relegation conversation.
But, with Wolves now gone and Burnley set to follow, there is still work for all four sides to do in the coming weeks.
But for all De Zerbi's faith in his players' capabilities, the evidence of this season does not suggest a team capable of winning five on the bounce.
Spurs have not won any of their past 15 league games, meaning they are without a top-flight victory in 2026 and have managed only two since 26 October.
They must beat bottom side Wolves on Saturday to avoid equalling the club's worst-ever winless league run - set some 91 years ago, between 1934 and 1935.
By contrast, the form of Spurs' relegation rivals has been picking up.
Leeds have won back-to-back games to move to the brink of safety, Forest have two wins in their past three games and are unbeaten in five and West Ham have won two of their past five.
Zoom out a little further and the Hammers have taken 19 points from their past 12 games, Forest have 18 from their past 13 and for Leeds it's 18 from 14.
Since beating Palace on 28 December, Spurs have taken six points from 15 matches.
Image caption,
Remaining fixtures for PL bottom six
With five games remaining, Spurs will definitely think their run-in, at least on paper, gives them every chance of staying up.
Next up is a trip to Wolves, whose relegation to the Championship was confirmed on Monday night.
A home match against Leeds on 11 May is another Tottenham will view as an opportunity, especially if Daniel Farke's side have beaten Burnley at Elland Road in their previous game and essentially ensured their safety.
Even a tricky looking match at Champions League-chasing Aston Villa on 3 May comes at a good time for Spurs, as it falls between the two legs of the Europa League semi-final for Unai Emery's men.
A visit to rivals Chelsea before hosting Everton on the final day is not a straightforward way to finish given both teams seem likely to be fighting for European places.
But given how tight things are, that is something all the relegation candidates will have to deal with.
West Ham host Everton on Saturday before an away game at Brentford - and it only gets tougher with title-chasing Arsenal the visitors to London Stadium on 10 May.
Even with Newcastle enduring a disappointing season, an away game at St James' Park on the penultimate weekend is far from simple and there could be plenty riding on the home match against Leeds on the last day.
Forest arguably face the toughest last five with away games at Chelsea and Manchester United in May - the former coming just three days before the second leg of their Europa League semi-final against Villa.
Home games against Newcastle and Bournemouth, on the last day, could be crucial but getting a result at Sunderland on Friday would help alleviate a lot of stress for Vitor Pereira's side before the remainder of the run-in.
Darlow has 'proved he's worth being in net'published at 07:25 BST 21 April
07:25 BST 21 April
Image source, Getty Images
Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix believes Leeds United must hand goalkeeper Karl Darlow a new contract with his current deal expiring this summer.
The Welsh keeper has received praise for his standout performances between the sticks over the last few weeks, which have helped catapult Daniel Farke's side to the brink of Premier League safety.
Speaking on the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast, Rix said: "It's a test for the recruitment people of getting the right decision here. You've got to give Darlow a year. Even if you're saying to him, you might end up being number three. He's a bit older in age, so maybe give him a few years to be that experienced guy around the squad.
"He was very good with [Lucas] Perri as well when he was having a bad time. When we've been in the FA Cup games, Darlow has been very supportive.
"It's about working out exactly how that contract looks, but I think you've got to. He's been reliable and good. I think it's just whether you go out and get another one and you've got to, haven't you?"
BBC Radio Leeds journalist and host Adam Pope said: "I think if Leeds are to progress, and it looks like they're going to be in the Premier League again, you're going to need a really top-class goalkeeper, I would say. I think Darlow, I said at the start of the season, they should've started with what they had as number one and I think he's definitely proved he's worth being in net.
"Everybody feels so secure around him, and all his games are decent and the amount of saves he's made lately, which sounds like Leeds have been under the cosh when they haven't, he's made four or five worldies to keep Leeds with the points."
'I'm confident that's enough points', says Rixpublished at 19:08 BST 20 April
19:08 BST 20 April
Image source, Getty Images
Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix is "confident" Leeds United already have enough points to retain their place in the Premier League with five games still to go.
Speaking on the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast, Rix said: "I think from the beginning, from when it started to look like we'd need more points than [the teams that got relegated] last year, I've always thought that it still wouldn't be 40 points-plus [to go down] because if the 17th or 18th-placed teams got 40 points then it would be mad.
"I'm kind of confident that's enough points. I agree Leeds will get more points to come. I think Spurs can still get up to 46 points, so I guess 46 points could be the number, which is very unlikely.
"The thing is with Spurs is they could've won that game on Saturday. They could win three or four of their remaining games. Let's say they're going to beat Wolves, they could beat us. That's two wins and then they have to win one of their other ones and they're up with us. For them to catch Leeds, you're asking them to put up Champions League qualifying form, which they haven't done this season.
David: This team under Daniel Farke look very impressive. The number of Leeds fans against Farke have increasingly fallen silent and realised their mistake. Leeds can build on this and be taking part in the battle for Europe next season rather than the battle for relegation.
Andrew: This was the most uncomfortable 3-0 win you could wish for! After a great start to the game, Leeds were dragged into a very scrappy game. But it's the points that matter at this stage and we are nearly there. Roll on Bournemouth, then to Wembley.
Chris: It's finally paying off on a number of fronts. Leeds are getting the results that match the intensity they're bringing to the game. Noah Okafor has hit real form showing us what he can do. And Dominic Calvert-Lewin is having the season of his career. Bring on Chelsea at Wembley! Another trophy this season?
John: It wasn't fantastic, but it was a necessary confident and disciplined performance, from which one can only be satisfied that we will be staying in the Premier League.
Wolves fans
Wol: Another terrible performance away in front of us loyal fans. No passion or fight from the players. No quality in the final third again. Let us get to the end of the season and see what next season brings. Hopefully a major shake-up throughout the club and better dealings in the transfer market.
Simon: Rob Edwards, it's not worked and there is little hope it will work next season. There is no identity and no clear tactics. Crossing the ball into the box and playing a long ball constantly when you have the smallest player up front is akin to pub football methodology. See out the season and take a break from management, allow Wolves to get a manager in with a clear system and approach and enough of a profile to help recruit players.
Chris: I can't see any signs of improvement which give me hope for next season. I don't think Edwards is the man.
Rory: Wolves played OK, but going down 2-0 made it an uphill battle for them. A great save from Karl Darlow meant it was never going to be Wolves' day.
