Derby County vs Leeds United FA Cup: Complete TV Guide with BBC Radio 5 Live Commentary from Mark Chapman, John Murray and Curtis Davies

BBC Radio 5 Live will provide comprehensive coverage of the FA Cup Third Round clash between Derby County and Leeds United at Pride Park Stadium, with a stellar line-up of broadcasting talent leading the coverage. The match kicks off at 12:00 UTC on Sunday, January 11, 2026, and listeners can tune in across multiple platforms including BBC Sounds App and BBC Sport Online (Audio) to follow all the action as it unfolds.

The presentation team on BBC Radio 5 Live features Mark Chapman, who will guide listeners through the build-up and match proceedings. John Murray takes the role of main commentator, bringing his expertise to the microphone, whilst Curtis Davies provides expert co-commentary analysis. This combination of experienced voices promises engaging and insightful coverage throughout the 90 minutes.

Mark Chapman has established himself as one of the BBC's leading sports presenters, known for his authoritative and engaging style across multiple platforms including BBC Radio 5 Live and television broadcasts. His ability to manage complex sporting narratives and engage audiences has made him a familiar voice to millions of British sports fans over his extensive career in broadcasting.

John Murray brings a wealth of experience as a seasoned football commentator, renowned for his clear and descriptive play-by-play commentary that helps radio audiences visualise the action on the pitch. His technical knowledge and ability to capture the intensity of live football have made him a trusted voice for major sporting events across BBC platforms.

Curtis Davies, the co-commentator for this fixture, is a former professional footballer who enjoyed a successful career in English football. Davies brings genuine insider knowledge from his playing days, allowing him to provide tactical analysis and player insights that only someone with first-hand experience of the professional game can deliver. His transition to broadcasting has been seamless, with his understanding of the modern game proving invaluable to listeners.

This FA Cup Third Round encounter carries significant importance for both sides. Leeds United arrive at Pride Park on the back of a difficult period, having suffered a heartbreaking 4-3 defeat to Newcastle United deep into injury time just four days earlier. However, the Whites demonstrated impressive form prior to that setback, stringing together seven games unbeaten which included victories over Chelsea and Crystal Palace, alongside two draws against Liverpool. Manager Daniel Farke's team will be keen to bounce back and progress in the competition, particularly as they have dominated recent meetings with Derby, winning the last four FA Cup encounters between the sides.

Derby County, meanwhile, sit 12th in the Sky Bet Championship and face a stern test against Premier League opposition. The Rams have shown inconsistent form at Pride Park recently, suffering a 2-1 home defeat to Wrexham in their last match despite a first-half effort from Chilean international Ben Brereton Díaz. Historically, Derby have been a proud FA Cup side, reaching the final four times in the competition's early decades, including their triumph in 1946 when they defeated Charlton Athletic 4-1. However, they have managed to progress past the Third Round only once in the past five years, suggesting this represents a significant hurdle for John Eustace's Championship outfit.

The historical rivalry between these two Midlands neighbours adds extra spice to the encounter. Derby County are Leeds United's fourth most-faced opponent in their history, after only Arsenal, Liverpool and Everton. Across 115 matches, Leeds have won 54 and lost just 26, establishing a clear dominance in this particular fixture. Last season, Farke's team did the double over Derby, winning 2-0 at Elland Road through goals from Joe Rodon and Max Wöber, before claiming a 1-0 victory in the return fixture when Brenden Aaronson finished off a well-constructed team move.

Beyond BBC Radio 5 Live, listeners have numerous options to follow the commentary. The BBC Sounds App and BBC Sport Online (Audio) will both carry the same feed, allowing supporters flexibility in how they consume the coverage throughout the afternoon. This multi-platform approach ensures that fans can follow the action whether they are at home, travelling or out and about, maintaining continuity of coverage across BBC's digital and traditional services.

For those seeking visual coverage, Discovery+ UK will provide an alternative broadcast option featuring a different commentary team. Jules Breach presents this coverage, with Mike Minay providing main commentary alongside co-commentator Joe Hart. The punditry analysis comes from Robbie Savage and Jermaine Beckford, whilst Danny Jamieson reports on the action.

Joe Hart, the co-commentator on Discovery+, brings exceptional credentials to this role. The former Manchester City goalkeeper represented England at the highest level and achieved Premier League success during his playing career. Hart's understanding of defensive organisation and goalkeeper positioning provides valuable insights that enhance viewer comprehension of tactical nuances in the match. His broadcasting experience has proven extensive, and his transition to punditry has been well-received by audiences seeking expert analysis.

Robbie Savage, one of the pundits for Discovery+ coverage, enjoyed a lengthy playing career in English football and brings considerable knowledge of the Championship and cup football. His engaging personality and willingness to offer forthright opinions have made him a popular figure in sports broadcasting, with audiences appreciating his direct style and genuine passion for the game.

Jermaine Beckford, the other pundit on Discovery+, is a former striker who represented both Leeds United and Derby County during his playing career, making his selection particularly apt for this fixture. Beckford's experience at both clubs provides him with unique insight into their respective strengths and weaknesses, and his understanding of their playing philosophies will prove invaluable to viewers seeking informed analysis of the tactical battle unfolding at Pride Park.

Radio listeners seeking alternative coverage can turn to talkSPORT and its related platforms, including talkRadio and the talkSPORT App. All three platforms will feature Hugh Woozencroft as presenter, with Nigel Adderley providing main commentary and Andy Townsend offering co-commentary expertise. Andy Townsend brings significant experience from his playing career, where he represented multiple Premier League clubs and earned international recognition. His tactical knowledge and ability to articulate complex football concepts have made him a respected voice in sports broadcasting.

TNT Sports will also provide coverage of the FA Cup Third Round, with recorded highlights available following the match conclusion. The TNT Sports 2 HD channel will feature comprehensive coverage with Jules Breach presenting, Mike Minay providing commentary, and Joe Hart alongside as co-commentator. Robbie Savage and Jermaine Beckford will again feature as pundits, with Danny Jamieson reporting throughout proceedings. This ensures continuity for viewers across multiple broadcast platforms seeking consistent expert analysis.

Team news ahead of the fixture shows both sides dealing with injury concerns. Derby County will be without Carlton Morris, David Ozoh, Max Johnston and Owen Beck through injury, whilst Leeds United are missing Jayden Bogle and Daniel James. These absences will likely influence team selection and tactical approaches from both managers as they prepare their sides for the contest.

The FA Cup Third Round has established itself as a notoriously unpredictable stage of the competition, with top-flight sides regularly encountering stern resistance from lower-league opposition. However, the quality gap between Premier League Leeds and Championship Derby suggests that form and recent performances should prove more decisive than potential cup surprises. Leeds' superior recent results and their historical dominance over Derby suggest they will enter as favourites, yet Derby at home will represent a stern test for the Whites as they seek to maintain their unbeaten streak and progress through the round.

For British supporters unable to attend Pride Park Stadium in person, the multiple broadcast options ensure comprehensive coverage regardless of preferred medium. Whether listeners choose BBC Radio 5 Live's established presenting team, the alternative commentary styles available on talkSPORT and talkRadio, or the visual coverage on Discovery+ and TNT Sports, all platforms promise professional, engaging coverage of this intriguing FA Cup encounter. The combination of experienced presenters, former players offering tactical insight, and the historical significance of the fixture promises a compelling afternoon of football coverage across all available channels.