Craven Cottage awaits for Leeds United tomorrow as Daniel Farke’s side prepare for back-to-back away games, Fulham being this weekend’s opposition.
United headed into the international break with relative optimism after collecting four points from the first three games of the season. It provides decent proof that Daniel Farke can potentially make it work in the Premier League at the third time of asking.
Adding goals and real final third threat is the next task for Farke, with just one goal from three games, as Marco Silva’s Fulham await.
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Fulham v Leeds United: Team news confirmed
Farke’s preparations for this clash haven’t been helped by recent injury setbacks, confirmed in his pre-Fulham press conference.
In goal, Brazilian Lucas Perri is out for the next two matches due to a quad strain. Meanwhile, strikers Joel Piroe and Lukas Nmecha both sustained knocks in training and are therefore doubts.
(Action Images via Reuters/Craig Brough)
In more positive news, Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka returned to training this week and will be subject to late fitness tests to determine their availability.
Joe Rodon and Sam Byram are fine to play, while there was no word on Ilia Gruev, suggesting his international duty issue has been overcome.
Here, we predict the Leeds lineup to take on Fulham on Saturday afternoon…
Goalkeeper: Karl Darlow
Perri’s absence from the squad means that Farke is forced into his first chance, meaning Karl Darlow is going to start at Craven Cottage.
Lucas Perri’s injury opens the door for Karl Darlow to start (Action Images/Lee Smith)
The Wales international was notably brought in for the final seven games of last season’s promotion race, where his calming presence helped United see through the job of winning the title.
He hardly covered himself in glory against Sheffield Wednesday in the EFL Cup, but one error shouldn’t be held against him after his high-pressure performances in April and May.
Defence: Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk, Gabriel Gudmundsson
In defence, it’s hard to look past the fact Leeds have kept two clean sheets in their three games so far, with home performances seriously ideal.
The centre-back pairing is the only point of contention. How you get Jaka Bijol into this side remains a conundrum, but Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon are justifying their place for now.
Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon are keeping Jaka Bijol from his Premier League debut. (Action Images via Reuters/Craig Brough)
At full-back, Jayden Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson have taken to this Premier League campaign very well thus far. You can already see that if Leeds are to be successful, these two will be key to it.
Fulham’s investment into their wide options means they might have a big test on their hands. In particular Bogle as Brazilian left-winger Kevin gets integrated after his £35million move from Shakhtar Donetsk.
Midfield: Sean Longstaff, Ethan Ampadu, Anton Stach
The next change sees Ilia Gruev brought out for club captain Ethan Ampadu, his first outing since the opening day.
Farke’s revelations of playings needing ‘late tests’ more often than not lead to the player being involved. Add to that Ampadu’s miraculous powers of recovery last season, and it suggests he’s capable of the same this weekend.
Leeds United’s Sean Longstaff impressed against his former club Newcastle United (REUTERS/Jaimi Joy)
Either side of the skipper is serious running power in Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff. They’re two players that cover immense ground, win a lot of duels, and could be the ideal away midfield setup for Leeds against a Fulham side that boast plenty of athleticism themselves.
There could be a case made for Ao Tanaka starting over Longstaff. However, the Geordie’s performance against his old club was worthy of him keeping his spot as Tanaka recovers.
Attack: Willy Gnonto, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Noah Okafor
Leeds have struggled to create chances frequently in their first three games. Having said that, the best combination we’ve seen so far has been in the Sheffield Wednesday game (granted against children).
That combination was Bogle at right-back with Willy Gnonto in front of him. It’s a pairing we haven’t seen consistently, but catches the eye every time Farke uses it on the right.
Dan James deserved his shot after being Player of the Season in 24/25, but he’s yet to make an impact in the top flight. This should prompt a switch from Farke.
Noah Okafor could get his first Leeds United start in the Premier League. (REUTERS/David Klein)
Elsewhere, Gnonto shifting to the right should free up Noah Okafor for his full debut on the left wing. He’s insisted he’s raring to go in an interview this week. Leeds are going to need his direct approach out wide to start carving out more chances.
Up front, fresh doubts for Nmecha and Piroe strongly suggest that Dominic Calvert-Lewin is in line for his full debut.
He looked sharp off the bench against Newcastle and could have scored late on. Overall, you’re already seeing in flashes what he brings as a lone striker that Leeds are desperate for.
Full Leeds United predicted lineup v Fulham