Leeds United v Fulham: Big match preview

KEY BATTLE

Ross McCormack v Liam Cooper: Leeds are not exactly raining goals at the minute – the Whites have not scored for 321 minutes of football – and their prospects surely hinge on keeping a clean sheet. Cooper missed Saturday’s FA Cup loss at Watford with injury but looks set to return to partner Sol Bamba at centre-back with Giuseppe Bellusci suspended. Between them, they must keep top scorer McCormack quiet but remember that fellow forward Moussa Dembele has 12 goals for the season as well.

KEY MAN

Ross McCormack: Who else? Sold by Leeds to Fulham for £11m in July 2014 and now makes his second visit back to Elland Road since. McCormack failed to score on his first trip back to Leeds in December 2014 but the Scot has already notched 18 league and cup goals this season, just one shy of his entire tally for last term. Keep an eye also on midfielder Tom Cairney who bagged a brace in Saturday’s 3-0 win against Charlton.

LAST TIME AT ELLAND ROAD

Saturday, December 13, 2014: Leeds United 0 Fulham 1. Goals: Hugo Rodallega (60).

EXPERT VIEW

Lee Sobot says: A strange feeling to a game between two sides who already have next to nothing to play for. Leeds, in 17th, are 16 points off the play-offs but 11 points clear of the drop zone, and two points and one place above Fulham. If United perform the way they did in the goalless draw against Middlesbrough they ought to win, granted a bit more ruthlessness in front of goal. The worry is that Fulham will park the bus and hit Leeds on the counter which appears a good way to beat them.

BETTING

Odds: Home win – 31-20; draw – 2-1; away win – 5-2.