West Ham and Leeds seeking a boost from FA Cup tie
Leeds United faces West Ham United in the FA Cup quarter-finals, with both sides briefly taking their eyes off the Premier League relegation battle.
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Leeds travel to London Stadium on Monday (AEST), looking to reach its first FA Cup semi-final since the 1986-1987 season.
The Whites have been eliminated from three quarter-finals since then, losing in 1995-1996 to Liverpool, in 1997-1998 to Wolverhampton Wanderers, and in 2002-2003 to Sheffield United.
Leeds is just four points above the Premier League relegation zone ahead of a tough trip to Manchester United next weekend, but boss Daniel Farke is fully focused on the FA Cup at the moment.
"The Premier League is our bread and butter and is our priority," he said.
"But I'm a big believer in cup competitions and we're at this stage for first time in more than two decades.
"It makes no sense to put players in cotton wool. They need to stay in their rhythm. We want to go with a strong line up.
"An FA Cup win would write a chapter in history."
West Ham currently occupies the final spot in the relegation zone but is just one point behind Tottenham Hotspur ahead of a home game against Wolves.
West Ham has been eliminated from eight of its past 10 FA Cup quarter-final ties, with this its first since losing in a replay against Manchester United in 2015-2016.
Like Farke, Hammers boss Nuno Espirito Santo is looking only at their FA Cup tie amid the relegation battle.
"We play one game at a time. We prepare for one game at a time, so we are preparing for the FA Cup as best as we can so we can go through," Nuno said.
"We cannot think about the Wolves game. We have to prepare and play well in this game, and then we will look forward.
"We know what this game means for our fans. We expect support, it's a big occasion, so we're looking forward to it."


































