Every Leeds United fan knows it, every Leeds fan is concerned about it before a trip to London and mostly, every Leeds fan is reminded of it when the full-time whistle goes in the capital.
It has become a widely-known issue at Leeds that The Whites struggle when they go to London. Even this season, that has been proved in the first three Premier League games – a 5-0 hammering by Arsenal.
Leeds simply do not have a winning formula when it comes to facing sides like Arsenal, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, West Ham or Tottenham. On Saturday afternoon, Leeds are back in London, to take on Fulham.
They must do so without goalkeeper Lucas Perri, coming up against a side that boasts a certain Harry Wilson. Perform anything like they have done in recent years in London, and it is likely to end in defeat.
Daniel Farke during Leeds' clash against Newcastle.
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
It’s not good reading. Over the last five seasons and including this one, Leeds have won just four times out of a possible 29 times. In 22 of those matches, Leeds have been beaten, even in the Championship.
Last season, Leeds lost to Millwall with new Sheffield United star Japhet Tanganga scoring. The season before that, Leeds went to QPR and lost. Daniel Farke’s side were obliterated 4-0 at Loftus Road in 2024.
Season Division Games played in London W-D-L GD Points
2020-21 Premier League 6 1-0-5 -11 3/18
2021-22 Premier League 9 (three in cup) League: 1-1-4Cup: 1-1-1 -5 7/18
2022-23 Premier League 8 (one in cup) League: 0-0-7Cup: 0-0-1 -14 0/15
2023-24 Championship 3 (one in cup) League: 1-0-1Cup: 0-0-1 -2 3/6
2024-25 Championship 2 0-1-1 -1 1/6
2025-26 Premier League 1 0-0-1 -5 0/3
The only win since the 2021-22 season, when Marcelo Bielsa was in charge, was a 3-0 win at Millwall. If Leeds are to beat Fulham, Farke is going to have to re-write Leeds history and end a London hoodoo.
Leeds United’s record against Fulham in last 10 meetings
Fulham's manager Marco Silva looks on.
Photo by Andrew Kearns – CameraSport via Getty Images
When it comes to just Marco Silva’s side, Leeds have faced Fulham in four competitions during their last 10 meetings. In the Championship, the Carabao Cup, the FA Cup and most recently, the Premier League.
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The last Premier League win against Fulham came at Craven Cottage surprisingly, under Bielsa. A 2-1 win in West London thanks to goals from Patrick Bamford and Raphinha, who have now both left the club.
Date Competition Venue Score Leeds scorers
15 August, 2017 Championship Elland Road 0-0 D N/A
3 April, 2018 Championship Craven Cottage 2-0 L N/A
21 December, 2019 Championship Craven Cottage 2-1 L Patrick Bamford
27th June, 2020 Championship Elland Road 3-0 W Patrick BamfordGjanni AlioskiJack Harrison
19 September, 2020 Premier League Elland Road 4-3 W Helder Costa x2Mateusz KlichPatrick Bamford
19 March, 2021 Premier League Craven Cottage 1-2 W Patrick BamfordRaphinha
21 September, 2021 Carabao Cup Craven Cottage 0-0 D(6-5 pens W) N/A
23 October, 2022 Premier League Elland Road 3-2 L RodrigoCrysencio Summervile
28 February, 2023 FA Cup Craven Cottage 2-0 L N/A
23 October, 2022 Premier League Craven Cottage 2-1 L Joao Palhinha OG
But eye-catchingly, Leeds have won only three of their last 10 against Fulham – albeit, in normal time. A penalty-shootout win came in the Carabao Cup, too. Fulham are favourites and avoiding defeat is solid.