Can a bit of FA Cup magic lift Leeds?

Cup shocks are indelibly woven into the fabric of the FA cup's history. Already this weekend we have seen remarkable results for Luton, MK Dons to add to a minor shock for our South London friends from Bermondsey who knocked out a fast disintegrating Aston Villa team at the New Den last night. So can Leeds United add another notable scalp to their recent impressive record against higher league clubs in cup competitions when they take on high flying Spurs at the Theatre of Hope?

The cup will be a welcome diversion from the activities in the transfer window for Neil Warnock's under fire side. The Becchio saga will be put to one side as Leeds go head to head with a Tottenham side who boast rich talent with the likes of Bale, Lennon, Defoe, Adebayor & Scott Parker to name but a few. It's a mouth watering prospect that will attract a crowd of around 30,000 to LS11 most of them hoping for a stirring performance from the home side.

The battles between Bale and Byram and Lennon and White should be fascinating. Will the Planet of the Apes flyer from Wales prevail over super Sammy Byram? Will Aidey White's speed be enough to match ex Leeds favourite Lennon's trickery on the other flank? Can Leeds stop Defoe who gorged himself on a hat trick last time he visited Elland Road? Will Becchio raise his transfer value by notching yet another cup goal for the whites? These are the types of games that the long suffering Leeds yearn for after years in the wilderness. If Leeds can rediscover the bloody mindedness that helped knock out Everton and Southampton in the League Cup before giving European Champions, Chelsea, a first half scare in the Quarter Final then Leeds might just be writing the final headlines of this FA Cup weekend come Sunday afternoon.

News of Sam Byram's extended contract has undoubtedly lifted the spirits of the home fans so although the ground won't be full the atmosphere should be spine tingling especially if Leeds can get a foothold in the first twenty minutes. I love the FA Cup and although it's lost a lot of it's sheen in recent years it can still generate a touch of magic with it's unique mix of sudden death play and tantalising optimism of who you might get in the next round. Who can forget Beckford's last minute penalty at Spurs in the cup or that other goal at the Theatre of Shite? What's not to like about the FA Cup?

Will Leeds be watching the 5th round draw with eager anticipation or will they be licking their wounds after a painful cup disappointment? Time will tell. I just hope Leeds put on a good show. If they do you never know...................Leeds to win 3.2 with a late Becchio special anyone? Delicious!

Can't wait.

MOT