Early Leeds predicted lineup vs Fulham – Calvert-Lewin starts, key man returns
Leeds United return to action this weekend when they travel to Craven Cottage to play Fulham on Saturday.
The Whites picked up a good point in their last fixture as Leeds drew 0-0 with Newcastle at Elland Road.
All four of the points Daniel Farke’s side have accumulated so far this season have been at home, so the chance to get their first away points of the season on the board.
With Joe Rodon receiving a promising fitness update after recently sustaining a knock, MOT Leeds News brings you an early predicted lineup for Leeds’ clash with Fulham.
Team news and predicted XI
Gabriel Gudmundsson played 90 minutes for Sweden in their 2-2 draw against Slovenia to put to bed any concerns over his availability after he was taken off injured against Newcastle.
The major doubts for Leeds are Ao Tanaka and Ethan Ampadu, who have both sustained injuries during the early stages of the season.
However, this match was initially pencilled in as Ampadu’s possible return date and he will be given every chance of making a surprise start.
With how well Sean Longstaff performed against Newcastle, Farke may feel there is less urgency to rush Tanaka back into the starting XI if he is not 100 per cent good to go.
- Longstaff had his best game in a Leeds shirt against his former club
- The midfielder won seven of his 11 ground duels
- Longstaff also made five tackles during the game
Other questions regarding the teamsheet are whether enough time has passed for Farke to begin to be able to start his other new signings.
The German manager is notoriously stubborn when it comes to his team selection, but there is no doubt that the 49ers will not want to see their big-money investments like Jaka Bijol and Noah Okafor continue to sit on the bench.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin could make his first Premier League start for the club after two cameo appearances against Newcastle and Sheffield Wednesday, meaning Lukas Nmecha would be forced to drop to the bench.
Leeds – Perri, Bogle, Rodon, Bijol, Gudmundsson, Ampadu, Longstaff, Stach, Gnonto, James, Calvert-Lewin
Daniel Farke’s press conference to reveal all
The Elland Road faithful will keep a close eye on Farke’s press conference later this week, where he will likely provide updates on both Ampadu and Tanaka.
Given the drop off in quality between Ampadu and Ilia Gruev, the German manager will be keen to get his captain back playing as soon as possible, even if the Wales international is not fully fit.
Most supporters would like to see Okafor start on the left wing and Willy Gnonto on the right, but given Farke’s track record at Leeds, this seems unlikely.
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