Accrington vs. Leeds Betting Tips: Three plays for Saturday's 12:30pm televised FA Cup Fourth Round tie
Saturday's 12:30pm FA Cup Fourth Round tie sees Premier League outfit Leeds United make the trip across the M62 to face League One Accrington Stanley.
Inside this betting preview you'll find preamble about the build up to this meeting, odds for some of the match's most popular markets and finally two data-driven tips that we believe are worth following.
Terrestrial TV viewers have another fixture to enjoy this weekend as BBC One provide coverage for the tie from 12:15pm.
Both clubs are struggling in their respective leagues - Accrington languishing a point above the drop zone in the third tier, while Leeds are in a similar relegation-threatened predicament among seven or so teams in the English top flight.
Circumstances like the ones these two are sharing in the PL and L1 typically produce cagey affairs, but that is unlikely to be the case when Leeds roll into town. Jesse Marsch's men haven't deviated from their playing style despite recent struggles. And Accrington should be motivated for their arrival given this season's journey is the furthest they've ventured in the competition for four seasons.
Accrington vs Leeds Tips
If you tuned in to Leeds' Friday night visit to Villa Park a couple of weeks ago you'll be well aware of Wilfried Gnonto. Gary Neville waxed lyrical about the 19-year-old Italian during his shift on co-commentary, and for good reason, too.
The sharp-witted live wire caused a nuisance all night long in the Midlands, proving to be a real handful for seasoned full-back Ashley Young. He contributed an assist for Patrick Bamford's consolation goal under the lights that evening, adding to his first goal in white at the beginning of the month.
Marsch has stuck with the youngster since his introduction pre-World Cup, and the 19-year-old has duly repaid his manager's faith after netting a brace in United's 5-2 dismantling of Cardiff at the second time of asking last week.
Now he gets an opportunity to strut his stuff against significantly inferior opposition. This could be a good gauge for just how impactful he can be moving forwards, and his lack of fear in roughing it with aggressive adversaries.
Spanish central midfielder Marc Roca is one of only four Leeds United players to have featured in every single 2022/23 Premier League match up until this point.
Marsch's summer signing has adapted to life in England rather quickly, carrying over his penchant for tackling to his new home in Yorkshire.
The numbers behind the 26-year-old's initial 19 PL appearances also underline this: he's attempted 60 tackles, successfully completed 40 of them and committed 20 fouls. That's an average of 2.1 tackles and 1.1 fouls per game. Add to that the four yellow cards he's picked up during this first campaign in England and the bet is starting to take shape.
Conditions could largely determine how unglamorous this tie proves to be, and given the dynamic of Premier League giant vs League One minnow, coupled with Stanley's expected defensive/counter-attacking approach, Roca could be forced to take matters into his own hands to ensure Leeds' progression to the next round.
If you're interested in pairing up these two bets, Paddy Power pay best at 11/1 for the Bet Builder double.
Did you know that bet365 pay your team out as a winner if they go 2 goals ahead at any time in the match (available on over 80 leagues and competitions, T&C's apply). Find out more on our bet365 offers page.
