Prematch: Fulham vs Leeds United
Fulham are in search of their first double over Leeds since 1959-1960.
Published: April 20, 2023 08:35
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In short
Fulham have managed to end their four-game losing run against Everton with a win, and now seek another triumph against Leeds United at Craven Cottage at 12:30 (GMT+1) on Saturday, April 22.
Fulham Seek to Overtake Brentford with Two Consecutive Victories Against Leeds and Aston Villa
Fulham ended a four-game losing run against Everton with a 3-1 victory last weekend, but still remain 10th place with 42 points having achieved equal numbers of victories (12W, 6D and 12L]. Fulham head into Saturday’s clash against Leeds hoping for two consecutive victories and to overtake ninth-placed Brentford, who will face Aston Villa [WWWWW]. Fulham have lost two consecutive Premier League home games – matching their total losses from all nine prior [4 wins, 3 draws and 2 losses] [4W, 3D, 2L]. Marco Silva’s side have experienced home defeat five times this season against Arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham; their losses also included defeat in London derbies against these oppositions. Fulham also suffered home defeat to Manchester United and Newcastle United before defeating Leeds 3-2 in the reverse fixture, so they now hope to complete a league double over them for the first time since 1959-1960. A 4–2–3-1 formation may feature Daniel James up front against Leeds on Saturday if Aleksandar Mitrovic completes five more of an eight-game ban he received after having already served three. Meanwhile Layvin Kurzawa (knee injury) remains uncertain for this matchup.
Javi Gracia Expresses Displeasure After Leeds United Fall to 6-1 Rout at Liverpool
Leeds United have fallen on hard times recently following Monday’s 6-1 rout at Liverpool. Javi Gracia expressed his displeasure after witnessing Leeds collapse so decisively. He commented post-game that they hadn’t expected this result. Leeds managed to hold on to 16th position despite all four bottom teams losing at the weekend, boasting 29 points (7 wins, 8 draws and 16 defeats) ahead of Fulham’s clash at Elland Road; two above the bottom three. The visitors are hoping to score a victory here but have suffered defeat in each of their five visits to the capital this season – conceding 16 goals as part of that process. Leeds were victorious against Fulham last season but haven’t won back-to-back away victories against them since doing so three times between 1953 and 1956 in the lower division. Following their 5-1 loss against Crystal Palace last weekend, Leeds have conceded 11 goals in two matches since. Javi Gracia will hope his side can secure their first shutout in seven Premier League games; 4-2-2-3–1 formation featuring Rodrigo Moreno as an attacker should be expected for this matchup with Patrick Bamford currently sidelined due to calf injury issues.
