Leeds United head to Cambridge United on Monday night for their FA Cup Third Round tie.

The Whites are flying in the league, sitting fifth in the Sky Bet Championship, and face seventh placed Derby County in their next league game - just four days after their trip to Cambridge.

Both teams are in fine form, taking 13 points from the last 15 available, however, this could be the perfect time for Garry Monk to rotate his squad and give some of his fringe players a chance to shine.

With the January transfer window open, some of Monk’s players will have to prove their manager doesn’t necessarily have to dip into the market.

FLW writer Alfie Burns has decided to look at THREE players who should be given an opportunity by Garry Monk on Monday night.....

 

Tyler Denton  

One appearance, one goal, one clean sheet- that’s how young left back Denton’s stats look this season.

Scoring the winner in Leeds’ 1-0 win over Luton Town in the EFL Cup, was a dream debut and the last time Denton featured from the start.

The FA Cup could be the perfect opportunity to give the academy product a run of games.

With Charlie Taylor yet to return from injury and Luke Ayling featuring regularly over the Christmas period, Monk could be tempted to start with Denton and move stand-in left back Gaetano Berardi across to his favoured right back position.

Alex Mowatt

Another academy product who might feature on Monday is Alex Mowatt, who has only made six starts so far this season.

The 21-year-old’s form has dipped over the last 18 months, but still has the natural ability to shine at Elland Road.

Mowatt scored nine goals during the 2014/15 season, and was awarded with the club’s player of the year award.

Since then he has only found the net twice.

Attacking midfielder Mowatt’s favoured position is playing behind the striker, a position Pablo Hernandez has made his own this year, but with the Spanish playmaker just returning from injury and a short turnaround before a big game in the league, it could be the perfect opportunity for Doncaster born Mowatt.

Marcus Antonsson

A summer signing from Kalmar, Antonsson made a fast start to life at Elland Road, scoring on his first start at Accrington Stanley in the EFL Cup.

Since then he has only added a further two goals and found his opportunities limited. This is mainly due to the fine form of Chris Wood, who has scored 16 goals across all competitions.

Striking options are limited at Elland Road, Kyle Bartley is the clubs second highest goal scorer, and Monday could be the perfect opportunity for Antonsson to show Monk he is more than capable of filling Wood’s boots.

Leeds fans… Do you agree these players should be given an opportunity in the FA Cup? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!