Ethan Ampadu starts, signing injured already – Leeds United Predicted XI vs Fulham after team news
Leeds United face Fulham on Saturday in their fourth game back in the Premier League.
The Whites have amassed four points from their opening three games, with the most recent being Leeds‘ dull but solid draw with Newcastle at Elland Road.
Fulham are the favourites at Craven Cottage on 13 September, and those Leeds supporters making the trip to London would probably take a point if you asked them beforehand.
However, Daniel Farke will know that no matter the result, Leeds have to look like more of an attacking threat after looking devoid of ideas in the final third so far.
Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka to potentially make surprise returns
During his pre-match press conference, Farke confirmed Lukas Nmecha and Joel Piroe were carrying injuries, effectively meaning that Dominic Calvert-Lewin is expected to start his first Premier League game for United.
The German manager also confirmed that decisions would be made on Ampadu and Tanaka regarding their involvement after seeing how the two midfielders react in the 48 hours before the game.
- Ampadu could be thrown straight back in as captain
- Given how impressive Sean Longstaff was against Newcastle, Farke may be hesitant to risk starting Tanaka
- However, Tanaka’s cryptic message on Instagram suggests the midfielder could be involved at the weekend
Despite Farke talking highly of Illan Meslier in his press conference, Karl Darlow is expected to take the place of Lucas Perri, who is confirmed to be out for at least the next two games.
Noah Okafor and Jaka Bijol have points to prove
We all know how hard it can be to break into the team under Farke, and Okafor and Bijol must impress if they are handed their debuts this weekend.
If not, the pair could easily lose their spots in the team to Dan James and Pascal Struijk, as Farke tends to stick with what he knows.
Gabriel Gudmundsson, Joe Rodon and Jayden Bogle will complete the back four, with Anton Stach ahead of a defensive two in midfield.
Finishing off the line-up will be Wilfried Gnonto, with the Italian raring to go again,
However, if Leeds pick up a positive result against Fulham, knowing Farke, this will buy them multiple weeks of breathing room.
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