Leeds United fans all say the same thing in Fulham clash prediction
Leeds United take on in-form Fulham on Saturday in the Premier League
As Leeds United get back to Premier League action following last week’s FA Cup win over Derby County, our YEP Jury offer their match predictions.
NEIL GREWER
Both teams approach this game having improved from the first encounter in September when Leeds suffered a gut-wrenching and undeserved last-minute defeat.
Fulham currently have 31 points and do not look relegation fodder having been on an unbeaten run similar to Leeds.
Whilst United are nine points behind in the league table, recent results and performances suggest relegation can be avoided.
Once again, the team selection will be scrutinised by the fanbase with debate around the choice of goalkeeper and right wing-back.
In goal, Lucas Perri has been criticised for some recent concessions, so an opportunity may present itself to Karl Darlow.
Conversely, Jayden Bogle has been excellent at wing-back, but so has his deputy, James Justin, who has more than adequately filled in whilst Bogle has been sidelined.
So, Daniel Farke has one “unwanted” and one “luxury” decision to make.
On a positive note, Brenden Aaronson’s recent form and move along his redemption arc means his inclusion will be both expected and welcomed.
I expect a close game with Leeds benefiting from being at home and edging it.
Leeds need to take this opportunity.
Prediction: Leeds United 2 Fulham 1.
ANDY RHODES
After the excitement of the festive fixture list, a long unbeaten run and Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s scoring streak, this has felt like a quiet week at Leeds United.
There has been some outbound transfer activity, and things are hotting up on the inbound side with the Facundo Buonanotte news this week.
Of course, January is said to be a tricky window to negotiate, but it remains to be seen if head coach Daniel Farke will close any business.
If he can keep his existing squad fit, he might not need new signings.
Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu and Calvert-Lewin are the spine of the team and each of those players have missed out through injury, suspension or rest in the last few weeks.
Brenden Aaronson is becoming more and more indispensable too.
His recent performances have been magnificent, to the point where he is arguably one of the first names on the teamsheet.
Leeds will need to be at their best to beat an in-form Fulham side on Saturday, but at Elland Road, Leeds have caught a lot of teams off guard so far this season.
Prediction: Leeds United 2 Fulham 1.
DAVID WATKINS
This weekend’s game looks like another huge opportunity for the Whites to pull further away from the four teams below them, who all appear, on paper at least, to have extremely tough-looking fixtures.
Burnley travel to Liverpool and West Ham go to Tottenham on Saturday, while Forest host Arsenal and Wolves host Newcastle on Sunday.
Leeds have the added boost that Fulham will again be without their three Nigerian stars – Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze – all of whom remain involved in Nigeria’s AFCON campaign, and the injured Rodrigo Muniz.
This has to be a good time to face the Londoners, who, of course, stole a point in the reverse fixture when Gabby Gudmundsson put through his own goal in added time.
With several players getting a well-earned rest last weekend, not featuring or playing minimal minutes at Derby, we ought to be in good shape to give Fulham another run for their money, and a positive result would be priceless.
Beware, though, Fulham are eight unbeaten; I doubt there will be much in it.
Prediction: Leeds United 2 Fulham 1.
KEITH INGHAM
After losing our unbeaten run at Newcastle United we will hope to return a positive result from the Fulham game on Saturday.
We were so unfortunate to come away from the fixture at Craven Cottage with nothing due to an injury-time own goal.
There were wholesale changes against Derby but I’d expect most, if not all of those omitted for the FA Cup game to return.
Lucas Perri will probably start in goal, Joe Rodon should return to the defence, Brenden Aaronson and Dominic Clavert-Lewin will return to the attack, if both are fit.
Ao Tanaka and Willy Gnonto had good games at Derby and are challenging Ilia Gruev and Noah Okafor for a place against Fulham.
Personally, I’d like both to start as I think Gnonto would offer more playing just behind DCL than Okafor who disappointed in the Cup.
Another option is Lukas Nmecha but Daniel Farke has only used him and DCL as starters against Chelsea.
Leeds will have to be wary of Harry Wilson, the winger – who we tried so hard to buy in the summer – is having a great season and is their top scorer.
I’m expecting a tough game. If Leeds can continue their impressive home form they just might nick it by the odd goal.
Prediction: Leeds United 2 Fulham 1.
MIKE GILL
Back in September our hearts were broken when Gabriel Gudmunsson found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time and turned the ball into his own net in the dying seconds of added time in a hard-fought fixture at Craven Cottage.
At the time, the Cottagers looked to be a few notches above the Whites in the Premier League pecking order.
They look much more beatable now, especially at Elland Road.
There must be a bit of needle between the clubs not least because the protracted on/off transfer of Harry Wilson on transfer deadline day.
Wilson has been one of Fulham's best players this season and the cynics amongst us could easily be persuaded that Fulham never intended to sell the ex-Derby County man in the first place.
United continue to grow in confidence and must believe that they can see off their opponents but Fulham will not be a soft touch.
The Cottagers are on a good run at the moment and remain unbeaten since being pipped by Crystal Palace in early December.
This all makes for a tight contest at Elland Road but I’m backing Leeds to take all three points.
Prediction: Leeds United 2 Fulham 1.