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Leeds United take on Harrogate Town in their FA Cup opener on Saturday. The hosts are leading the Championship while Harrogate are 21st in League Two.
Daniel Farke's Leeds are fresh off a 3-3 draw at struggling Hull City in the Championship in their previous outing. The Whites recovered from an early deficit to lead by two goals after 72 minutes.
However, the Tigers scored twice in the final 10 minutes, with second-placed Burnley capitalising on Leeds dropping points to close the gap on the leaders to just one point.
Meanwhile, Simon Weaver's Harrogate are coming off a 2-0 win at Barrow in League Two last weekend. Jack Muldoon and Josh March scored within five second-half minutes to give the Sulphurites all three points.
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In their previous FA Cup outing, Weaver's side had seen off Gainsborough Trinity by a solitary goal at home. Dean Cornelius' 57th-minute strike proved to be the difference between the two sides.
On that note, here's a look at the head-to-head stats and key numbers, match prediction, and betting tips for the Leeds-Harrogate FA Cup contest at Elland Road:
Leeds United vs Harrogate head-to-head stats and key numbers
- The two sides have never met before in any competition.
- Leeds have won only one of their last five FA Cup meetings against fourth-tier sides.
- The Whites are unbeaten in 10 home games - all in the Championship - winning nine.
- Harrogate have won one of their last five road outings - all in League Two - losing three.
- Form guide (last five games across competitions, most recent result first): Leeds: D-D-W-W-W; Harrogate: W-L-D-L-L
Leeds United vs Harrogate prediction
On paper, the fixture is a mismatch, as Leeds are flying high atop the Championship despite drawing their last two outings. Meanwhile, Harrogate's recent win snapped a seven-game winless streak across competitions, losing six.
This is almost unchartered territory for fourth-tier Harrogate, whose only ever foray into the FA Cup third round in 2022 saw them comprehensively lose - 4-0 - to Luton Town.
Farke's side have a rather surprising FA Cup record against League Two sides. But they are unbeaten in five home games in the competition - winning thrice - since losing 3-1 to Arsenal in 2011 and should see off their visitors.
Prediction: Leeds United 3-0 Harrogate
Leeds United vs Harrogate betting tips
Tip-1: Leeds to win
Tip-2: Leeds to keep a clean sheet: Yes (The Whites have kept three clean sheets in their last five outings - all in the Championship.)
Tip-3: Over 1.5 goals: Yes (Four of Leeds' last five games - all in the Championship - have had at least two goals.)
