THIS month could be make-or-break for Jesse Marsch and Leeds United.

After Saturday lunchtime’s televised FA Cup fourth round tie at Accrington Stanley the Whites tackle three of their Premier League relegation rivals in February.

They have trips to Nottingham Forest (Sunday, 5 Feb) and Everton (Saturday, 18 Feb) before taking on Southampton (Saturday, 25 Feb) at Elland Road.

There is also the little matter of back-to-back games against Manchester United, travelling to Old Trafford on Wednesday, 20 February before the return home four days later.

First Leeds will be aiming to reach the fifth round for the first time since 2016 and improve their appalling recent FA Cup record.

Lesser lights Crawley Town, Newport County, Sutton United, Rochdale, Histon and Hereford United have all eliminated the West Yorkshire side from the competition in recent seasons and Accrington, 20th in League One, will be hoping to add to Leeds’ embarrassment.

Stanley booked a place in the fourth round for only the fourth time in their history by defeating Boreham Wood 1-0 on Tuesday in their delayed third round replay thanks to Tommy Leigh’s extra-time penalty.

National League side Boreham Wood included former York City defender Femi Ilesamni in their line-up while another former Minsterman, Jamal Fyfield, was an unused substitute.

Leeds coach Marsch was among the crowd at the Wham Stadium and could be joined in the dugout on Saturday by Chris Armas who has joined Leeds, subject to work permit clearance, as assistant head coach. The 50-year-old, a former USA international, will be reunited with Marsch, his former Chicago Fire team-mate.

Armas served as Marsch’s assistant between 2015 and 2018 at New York Red Bulls. When Marsch left to take charge at RB Leipzig, Armas moved up to take the head coach role.

Armas’ appointment, coupled with recent big money signings Max Wober and Georginio Rutter, are clear indications that the Leeds board believe Marsch can improve Leeds’ fortunes after a disappointing first half of the campaign.

However, a shock defeat at Accrington and failure to come through February with a good tally of Premier League points may change the landscape