The words, Leeds United are playing in London this weekend, send shivers down the spines of those who support Daniel Farke’s side. Leeds are poor in the capital, and this weekend, Leeds go to Fulham.
Already this season, Leeds were hammered 5-0 by Arsenal. Another example of Leeds struggling down south in the capital. The Whites are in action against Marco Silva’s Fulham, a side boasting Harry Wilson.
Leeds will need to be defensively solid, as they must be in every Premier League game, and produce a much better showing than they did in their first away game in England’s top flight, over at The Emirates.
Lucas Perri is injured and it is yet to be confirmed if Ethan Ampadu will return in time. But, one player that is sure to start is Sean Longstaff and below is why the £15m signing can be Leeds’ secret weapon.
Marco Silva looks on during a Fulham match.
Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images
Sean Longstaff’s record against Fulham is absolutely sensational
Longstaff won his first Premier League start against former side Newcastle and he was absolutely phenomenal. Man of the match, Longstaff impressed Jamie Carragher and Harry Kewell in their analysis.
Longstaff will start for Leeds on Saturday, with Ao Tanaka still sidelined. Even if Ampadu and Ilia Gruev are fit, Longstaff is still sure to start. But it his record against Fulham that should give Leeds fans some hope.
The Newcastle academy graduate has faced Fulham seven times throughout his career. On six occasions, he has been victorious and remains unbeaten while Longstaff has also scored twice against Fulham.
Sean Longstaff during Leeds United v Newcastle United.
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Which changes will Daniel Farke have to make against Fulham?
The obvious one is Perri. Karl Darlow is set to come in, having starred for Wales in their 1-0 win over Kazakhstan last week. The defence could remain the same, with Jaka Bijol’s Slovenia conceding five.
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If Ampadu is fit, he will be a direct replacement for Ilia Gruev and that means Longstaff and Anton Stach will stay in midfield, as Ao Tanaka remains sidelined. Dan James’ form could see the Welshman axed.
Willy Gnonto will surely start, while Farke has a decision to make up top. Joel Piroe is unlikely to start, Lukas Nmecha did well against Newcastle but Dominic Calvert-Lewin is getting better and better.