Crawley Town vs Leeds Prediction & Betting Tips - FA Cup

Prediction published on 07/01/2021, 13:57  by James | Modified on 07/01/2021 at 14:57 in FA Cup Predictions

A potential giant-killing could be on the cards when Leeds United play away to Crawley Town in the third round of the FA Cup on Sunday. Leeds, who won their only FA Cup in 1972, have made an eye-catching start to life in the Premier League. Capable of scoring four goals one week and conceding the same amount the next, Marcelo Bielsa's men are nothing if not entertaining. Their fluctuating fortunes leave them 12th in the Premier League table after 17 games. Despite only reaching the Football League for the first time in 2011, Crawley have made several remarkable FA Cup runs over the last decade, reaching the fifth round in 2011 and 2012. The Reds are currently sixth in the League Two table after 22 games. Their form coming into this tie is healthy with no defeats in their last nine fixtures. However, a closer look at their home farings reveals that Crawley have failed to win four of their previous five games at The People's Pension Stadium. In the FA Cup, Crawley have lost five of their last seven home contests.

Leeds' last outing was a 3-0 pasting at the hands of Spurs. Yet we don't think they will be reeling. This is the nature of the beast: Bielsaball giveth, Bielsaball taketh away. Five of Leeds' last six defeats saw them ship three or more goals. When the opposition figure out a way to exploit their marauding, purist play, Leeds can get tonked. Yet, two of their last three wins featured them scoring five goals, evidence that they can be formidable when this approach works. We don't believe that Crawley have the means to exploit Leed's weaknesses. Back the away side to win by two clear goals.