Our Focus turns to this weekends visit of Leeds United. Leeds appeared to be an unstoppable force until they threw away a 3 goal lead against Cardiff City last time out. Complacency? Early signs of falling apart? Time will tell but one thing’s for sure, the Fulham that have shown up to the past 3 defeats will get turned over with ease! Plenty of tweaks to be made if Fulham fans are to get any presents ahead of the 25th.
The last Christmas we were in the Championship, a victory over Barnsley on the 23rd at the Cottage began the 23-game unbeaten run. This year to save us from tears, give us something equally special…
Head to Head
- Fulham wins 18 | Draws 15 | Leeds Wins 22
- 5 of the last 6 meetings have been draws
- Both teams have scored 12 goals each in the last 12 meetings
- Fulham have finished higher than Leeds in 15 of the past 17 seasons
Leeds in 2019/20
- League Position: 2nd
- League Form: DWWWW
- Average Possession: 59.9%
- Form Table (Last 6 Matches): 2nd (16 pts)
- Clean sheets: 12
- Top Scorers: Patrick Branford (9), Eddie Nketiah (5)
- Discipline: 29 Yellows | 1 Red
- Both teams have scored in just 8 of their 22 league games so far.
Players in Common
Ross McCormack
Fulham: 100 apps, 42 goals (2014-2016)
Leeds: 158 apps, 58 goals (2010-2014)
Micky Adams, Michael Brown, Danny Cadamarteri, Allan Clarke, Olivier Dacourt, David Healy, Geoff Horsfield, Jim Langley, Eddie Lewis, Andy Lonergan, Ross McCormack, Terry Phelan, Matt Smith, Maik Taylor & Tony Warner.
Tom’s View (@ShadowBriton)
Considering we’ve lost three in a row, are behind the top two by double digits and are missing key players such as Harrison Reed, Harry Arter and Bobby Reid, I think this is already a time to be worried. We’re out of form, certain players despite the quality some of them have, have not been at it this season at all. With second place Leeds coming to the Cottage and knowing how good they are, I’m already dreading it. We easily have one of the best sides in the league and yet we’re underperforming. We need to get a hold of this or else Leeds will turn us over with no problem at all and the first goal is going to be crucial for our confidence. Leeds have proved in recent years that they are likely to have a wobble at some stage and after throwing away a 3 goal lead last week at home to Cardiff, a positive start from us might start to rattle them.
As hard as I’m trying to remain patient with Onomah, I think he needs to be dropped to the bench. He’s had a few chances now and has failed to influence anything positive. Even though it’s risky, I think Matt O’Riley deserves a chance, it’s a great opportunity for him to show us what he can do because when the squad is fully fit, he won’t get a better chance than he has at present. But knowing Scott, it’s probably looking unlikely to happen anytime soon. I’m also open to Anthony Knockaert starting again, providing that he can use the talent that he has shown in the past for Brighton. Although, I’ll also be more than happy to give Neeskens Kebano another start. Even though he was involved in a bad team performance against Brentford he’s been quality since returning to the side, so he gets the nod for me.
If we can get our heads out of the sands then I’m hoping for a 2-1 win. But this is Fulham and on the basis of recent performances, I’m dreading it so I’m going for a 2-0 Leeds win.
