
Forest's first-half frenzy at Sunderland eases relegation worries
Nottingham Forest's 5-0 win over Sunderland boosts relegation hopes
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has indicated that Karl Darlow will likely start in goal for the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea. He emphasized that the decision was straightforward, though he did not disclose the full lineup.
Mentioned in this story
Daniel Farkeās Hint On Goalkeeper Choice For Leeds Unitedās FA Cup Semi-Final: Should The Whites Trust Him?
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has all but confirmed Karl Darlow will start in goal against Chelsea in Sundayās FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. Farke noted the selection decision is quite easy, though he didnāt name his full XI publicly before briefing the players.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Thursday, Farke made a clear distinction between what his two senior keepers have brought to the side this season. Lucas Perri, who arrived last summer, played a big part in the earlier FA Cup rounds to help the club reach Wembley.
However, Darlow has been the go-to man in the league since January, stepping in after Farke aired concerns over Perriās decision-making following costly mistakes against Manchester United and Newcastle. Since taking over for the cup tie at Derby County, Darlow hasnāt let go of the shirt. His midweek performance only strengthened his case, as he made a vital save with his feet at a key moment and looked composed and well-positioned throughout.
Farke spoke highly of all four keepers at the club, Darlow, Perri, , and , praising their unity as a reflection of the overall squad culture. he said, adding that the groupās bond is a standard for the rest of the dressing room.
Daniel Farke believes Karl Darlow's performance makes him the clear choice for the starting goalkeeper in the FA Cup semi-final.
Lucas Perri contributed significantly in earlier rounds of the FA Cup, helping Leeds United reach the semi-finals.
Leeds United's FA Cup semi-final match against Chelsea is scheduled for Sunday.
Farke stated that the selection decision for the goalkeeper was quite easy, indicating confidence in his choice.

Nottingham Forest's 5-0 win over Sunderland boosts relegation hopes

Millwall draws 1-1 with Leicester, promotion hopes in jeopardy as Ipswich has games in hand.

See every story in Sports ā including breaking news and analysis.
The managerās point was simple: while Perriās cup run matters, Darlowās form has been the reason Leeds have tightened up at the back, and the pecking order currently sits firmly in the Welshmanās favour.
āItās quite easy. I wonāt speak about the starting line-up before my players know. But if you analyse what weāve done in the cup and during the season, you could guess pretty well what Iāll do this weekend.
āKarl has been fantastic for us on the Premier League level, a key player and big factor in why we havenāt conceded too many. Lucas has been fantastic in the FA Cup, playing a crucial role in reaching this semi-final.
āIām pretty happy with the contribution of my keepers, along with Alex Cairns and Illan Meslier, and how tight they are. I think itās a sign and a role model of what we are also as a whole group. Iām pretty delighted with the performance of my goalkeepers in recent months.ā
LEEDS, ENGLAND ā APRIL 18: Karl Darlow of Leeds United reacts during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Elland Road on April 18, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Thatās the real question behind the obvious answer. Farke has tried to keep it split, cup form for Perri, league form for Darlow, but that actually does Darlow a bit of a disservice. Since winning back his spot in January, Darlow has been one of the most reliable keepers, providing a steady hand.
Against a Chelsea side with this much quality, experience under pressure is everything. Perri lost his place specifically because he struggled with important decisions. At Wembley, with so much on the line, Leeds need the man who has shown he can stay calm under fire. That man is Darlow. Sentiment is nice, but form wins finals.