Stuart Dallas talks up 'huge' Fulham clash - but knows there's seven more afterwards for Leeds United

Leeds United rely on Stuart Dallas for consistency, versatility and, crucially in the build up to a huge promotion clash, perspective.

Saturday’s game against Fulham pits the Championship’s joint leaders with the side sitting seven points behind them.

Dallas, an obvious choice for Leeds to put up for press before such a big game due to his experience and comfort in dealing with the media, didn’t seek to downplay the fixture’s significance. But nor did he overplay it.

This is a big one, but there will be seven other big ones that follow it.

“There’s no getting away from how big the game is,” said the Northern Ireland international.

“We know it’s a massive game, it’s a chance to extend the gap between us and them or vice versa, we know how huge it is.

“I don't think it’s the be all and end all, there’s still a lot of football to be played, there’s a lot of points to play for.

“It would be a huge step for us if we could win it.”

Leeds and Fulham both lost in their Championship ‘opener’ last weekend following the three-month break, maintaining the seven-point gap between the two promotion challengers.

Dallas would rather focus on the position Leeds hold, one he much prefers to the idea of sitting seven points off the automatic promotion slots, than the disappointment of their restart.

“The fitness levels were there, we dominated the game and we’ve given away two bad goals,” he said. That’s part and parcel of how we want to play, we’re going to make mistakes and that’s just how it is.

“Obviously it’s disappointing but it doesn’t define our season, we’re in an unbelievable position. You can’t dwell. Games are coming thick and fast.

“I would rather be in our position than chasing a team seven points ahead of us.”

The chasing club in this scenario are a little different to most other teams who visit Elland Road.

Fulham will want the ball as much as Leeds and they’ll want to attack.

It has the makings of an attractive encounter, for fans and players alike.

“It is difficult when teams come and maybe sit in and come to defend and try to snatch something,” Dallas told the YEP.

“We have to have more about us when teams like that come. Fulham are going to come and probably try and play football.

“On their day they’re up there with the best in the championship quality experience. We know how difficult it’s going to be. It’ll definitely be a good game. I think

“One I’m definitely looking forward to, I can’t wait to get going.

“We have to have more about us when teams like that come. Fulham are going to come and probably try and play football.

“On their day they’re up there with the best in the championship quality experience. We know how difficult it’s going to be. It’ll definitely be a good game. I think

“One I’m definitely looking forward to, I can’t wait to get going.”