Leeds United will face Fulham in what is predicted to be a crucial match for the Yorkshire side after their recent wave of two successive defeats. It is expected that Javi Gracia’s team will be looking to make a comeback at Craven Cottage after being embarrassed by Leeds a few weeks ago. In addition, Fulham has also been dragged into the relegation battle and will need to play a better game if they want to win on Saturday’s early kick-off.
Recently, Leeds has been buoyed by the return of Max Wober and Wilfried Gnonto, and some changes to their defence seem likely after conceding 11 goals in their last two games. Here’s how Football FanCast expects Leeds to line up against Fulham this weekend, with four changes from their previous game against Liverpool on Monday night.
(4-4-2): Robles (GK); Kristensen (RB), Cooper (CB), Struijk (CB), Wober (LB); Harrison (RM), McKennie (CM), Roca (CM), Sinisterra (LM); Rodrigo (ST), Gnonto (ST).
The first change is a highly controversial one, where Illan Meslier, the goalkeeper, who has conceded more goals than any other Premier League goalkeeper this season, will not start this time. As he may be low on confidence, Joel Robles has been chosen instead to make his Premier League debut of the season.
Wober will make his first start after returning from injury, replacing Junior Firpo at left-back. In contrast, Kristensen has been preferred over Luke Ayling for right-back despite his recent performance against Liverpool. Leeds’ captain, Liam Cooper, will start as centre-back alongside Pascal Struijk.
Gracia is still struggling to pick an option in the central midfield, with Tyler Adams injured. Therefore, Roca and McKennie are expected to continue their positions. Both Sinisterra and Harrison will keep their starting positions on the wings, while Gnonto will play as their striker, partnering with Rodrigo instead of Brenden Aaronson, who drops out.
Javi Gracia’s team will be hoping to take advantage of Gnonto’s speed, along with Rodrigo’s prowess to take home a vital three points in their upcoming fixture.
