Leeds United's last FA Cup final appearance was in 1973, according to club records, and their only victory came in 1972, when they beat Arsenal 1-0 with a goal from Allan Clarke, assisted by Mick Jones. The club last lifted a trophy at Wembley in 1992, winning the Charity Shield 4-3 against Liverpool with a hat-trick from Eric Cantona, as reported by the club's official history. That same year, Leeds won the First Division title, their third league championship.
According to the Premier League's official statistics, Leeds have not won any of their past six Premier League games, although four have been draws. They are four points and three places above West Ham in the table, with a significantly superior goal difference, per the league standings. Manager Daniel Farke has emphasized that the Premier League remains the club's priority, calling it their 'bread and butter'. However, he also stressed the importance of the FA Cup, saying the team is taking the West Ham game very seriously and wants to 'grab this chance with both hands'. Farke, who according to his official biography holds an MA in economics and a diploma in sporting directorship, acknowledged that winning the FA Cup and returning to European competition would be unrealistic, as he told reporters.
I have said to Leeds fans that they couldn’t ask for any more from the players this season. The players they have are doing as much as they can. None of their players can be embarrassed or sad at any of their performances. You cannot argue with this squad because they have done unbelievably well, as has the manager. When you look at the talent they have, I don’t think they’ve left anything in the dressing room in any game. That’s all you can ask for. They are at peace with themselves and it’s a fantastic feeling as a player when you think, 'This is as much as I can do'. There is nothing worse than finishing a game with regrets and I don’t think in the last six months, Leeds could ever say that. They took a wee while to get going but they’ve always been hard to beat. That’s reflected in the noise at Elland Road, which has been fantastic.
Goalkeeper Lucas Perri, who saved penalties in the shootout against West Ham to help Leeds progress, expressed confidence ahead of the semi-final. According to Daily Mirror - Main, Perri described playing at Wembley as 'like playing at the Maracana' and said 'everything is possible in football' as Leeds believe they can win the FA Cup. Perri has trained with Chelsea's Joao Pedro and Estevao in the Brazil national team, though Estevao is injured and may not play against Leeds.
Former Leeds captain Gordon Strachan, who according to the club's official records joined from Manchester United for £300,000 in March 1989, praised the current squad. According to Daily Mail - Sport, Strachan said Leeds fans could not ask for more from the players, who have done 'unbelievably well' and left nothing on the pitch. He noted that the team took time to find form but have been hard to beat, reflected in the atmosphere at Elland Road.
The Premier League’s our bread and butter. It’s our priority.
Unknowns remain ahead of the match, including the result of a scan Farke was awaiting for a player, and whether he will field a strong starting lineup or rotate to prioritize Premier League survival. Chelsea's Estevao's injury status is also uncertain. The number of Leeds fans expected at Wembley has not been confirmed.
I’m a big believer in cup competitions. We have the chance to achieve something special and unique. We’re taking the West Ham game very, very seriously. It makes no sense to wrap the players in cotton wool. Without doing anything stupid the players want to go in with a strong starting lineup. We want to grab this chance with both hands. But if we get the feeling someone has some physical problem we won’t risk them.