Early FA Cup team news

Last updated : 07 November 2008 By Dave Foster

Andy Robinson is hoping to return to the starting line-up for Leeds' FA Cup clash with Northampton.

Robinson, a summer signing from Swansea, has started the last four matches on the substitutes' bench but the winger could be back for the first-round tie.

Midfielder David Prutton is another hoping to make a bigger impact after starting mainly on the bench this season.

Paul Telfer is likely to partner Lubo Michalik in central defence, with Ben Parker vying with Aidan White for the left-back slot in the continued absence of Alan Sheehan (hamstring).

Striker Jermaine Beckford will resume his 22-goal partnership with Luciano Becchio and hopes to break his five-game goal drought.

Gary McAllister's side are chasing their eighth straight win at Elland Road in all competitions.

Northampton manager Stuart Gray is again set to be without the services of a number of key personnel.

Striker Adebayo Akinfenwa is definitely out with a calf injury while midfielders Luke Gutteridge and Abdul Osman are both absent with knee ligament problems.

Forward Colin Larkin is doubtful with a thigh injury but midfielder Ryan Gilligan has trained and not shown a reaction to a recent groin injury so could be involved.

On-loan strikers Scott McGleish and Nicholas Bignall have been given permission to play by parent clubs Wycombe and Reading but Preston do not want Karl Hawley to be cup-tied so he will sit out.

Despite missing several players Gray is relieved not to have sustained any further injuries and told the club's official website: "The pleasing thing is that we aren't picking up injuries in training. They are all game-related injuries and these things happen so we just have to get on with it."