Fulham and Leeds may both view this meeting at Craven Cottage as an ideal chance to kickstart their stuttering Premier League campaigns.
Match News and Current Form
Fulham have opened the season slowly as they’re winless across their three Premier League fixtures (D2, L1), each of which produced exactly two goals, making this their longest winless start to a top-flight campaign since they failed to win any of their first six fixtures in 2020/21. That season ended in relegation to the Championship so Cottagers fans have reason to be a little concerned, and there’s been little to encourage them at Craven Cottage recently as their side have also gone four home league games without a win (D1, L3).
Leeds start the weekend two points better off than their hosts despite only scoring once in the league this season (W1, D1, L1), highlighting the difficulties promoted sides face in the top-flight having outscored every Championship team by at least 24 goals last term! The Whites haven’t beaten anybody on the road in the Premier League for a while either, losing each of their last six such matches while conceding a worrying average of 3.33 goals per game, so they may need to find their shooting boots quickly to avoid further disappointment here.
Head-to-Head History
Fulham have won the last three H2Hs, scoring at least twice on each occasion, and they’ve only lost one of their five home Premier League fixtures against Leeds (W3, D1).
Hot Stats and Streaks
Fulham have conceded a penalty in five consecutive league games - nobody has ever done so in six successive matches in Premier League history.
Fulham have kept one clean sheet across their last 11 home league fixtures (W3, D3, L5).
Leeds collected exactly two yellow cards in five of their last six away league games.
Leeds have lost each of their last eight Premier League matches in London since May 2022.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Each of Raúl Jiménez’s last three goals for Fulham arrived between the 15th and 25th minute, and he opened the scoring against Leeds when playing for Wolves back in October 2020. All-action Leeds full-back Jayden Bogle was on target in the League Cup earlier this season and has been booked in four of his last 12 league appearances, as well as in his last two H2Hs against Fulham.
Fulham are close to full strength with no new concerns while Leeds are expected to be without Ethan Ampadu, Lucas Perri and Ao Tanaka due to injuries.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
With both Fulham and Leeds struggling for fluency in front of goal, predicting a winner is tricky, so backing the draw might be the best way to go.
Author: John Pennington