Sutton United v Leeds United Betting Preview

Back in-form Leeds to reach the FA Cup fifth round with a win

Sutton United

The National League side beat local rivals Wimbledon in the last round to become one of only two non-league sides left in the competition. They came from a goal down to win 3-1 in their third-round replay, albeit playing against ten men for a large part of the game. Paul Doswell’s men have scored 11 goals in four FA Cup matches so far this season, so it’s clear they won’t be lacking confidence when they come up against high-flying Leeds United on Sunday.

The U’s are in good cup form this season, after reaching the last 16 of the FA Trophy last time out following their 3-2 win over Worthing in extra time. Their league form on the other hand hasn’t been brilliant, and they currently sit 15^th in the National League table with only one league win in their last four. However, they’ve only lost once at home since mid-September, so the hope of another FA Cup upset is far from out of the question.

Leeds United

The Championship side have really found their rhythm under Garry Monk, who has steered them comfortably into the play-off places. Their form has been impressive particularly in recent weeks with only one defeat in their last nine games in all competitions, and they’ll be expecting to continue their fine run with a victory on Sunday.

They came from behind to avoid a third round upset, edging past Cambridge United by a one-goal margin three weeks ago. Their performance that time out was far from faultless but Monk’s side showed their resilience and held on to set up a fourth-round tie at Sutton. Their away form has been less impressive of late, having only won two of their last six on their travels, however with 84 league places between themselves and Sunday’s opponents, Leeds will be confident of booking a place in the next round. I’m backing the Whites to win.

Head-to-Head

The two sides have only met once in the FA Cup prior to this weekend, and that came back in 1970 when Leeds thrashed the U’s 6-0. Although that’s no form to go on, Garry Monk will be hoping for another convincing victory from his side on Sunday.

To score – Chris Wood 5/6

The New Zealand forward is having a prolific season in front of goal, netting 20 times in 31 games for the Whites. He didn’t feature against Cambridge in the last round, but Garry Monk will want to see his side continue their FA Cup run, and he’s the perfect man to call on. You can pick up short odds of 5/6 for Wood to score at any time, or a braver bet would be for Wood to net the first goal of the game, priced at 3/1.

Both teams to score – Yes 4/5

Sutton have only failed to score twice at home all season, and will want to give Leeds something to think about defensively. However, Leeds have scored in each of their last nine games in all competitions, and it seems rather likely that they’ll net again on Sunday. I wouldn’t be surprised to see both sides find the net, and you can back odds of 4/5 for a goal at both ends.

Match odds – Leeds United 13/20

Leeds, unsurprisingly, are clear favourites to win the tie, priced at 13/20. Sutton would be delighted to take a draw away from the Borough Sports Ground on Sunday, and you can back odds of 31/10 for the game to end all square. A Sutton victory, which would arguably be the shock of the round, is priced at 19/4.

Writer’s Prediction: Sutton United 1 – 3 Leeds United

*Odds correct at the time of publication, click here for all the latest odds on upcoming football matches.