Confirmed Leeds United team news v Fulham: Liam Cooper starts, Patrick Bamford decision made
Leeds United have confirmed their starting XI for their Premier League clash against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday afternoon.
Liam Cooper has been handed his first start under Javi Gracia, coming in to replace Pascal Struijk at the heart of the defence.
Max Wober also returns to the starting lineup with Junior Firpo as the man to make way. One further change comes in attacker with Crysencio Summerville replacing Luis Sinisterra.
Patrick Bamford also returns to the matchday squad after missing the 6-1 home defeat to Liverpool.
Bounce back
A reaction is desperately required against Fulham. The recent losses have plunged Leeds right back into the relegation battle and, at present, they look like the most out-of-form team in the division. Conceding eleven goals in two matches at any level is unacceptable and something has to change against the West Londoners.
Gracia simply has to make his side more resolute. They’re capable of scoring goals, but it’s unrealistic for the Whites to score three or four goals a game. At the moment, that’s what they need just to secure a point.
Marco Silva’s side have enjoyed an impressive season to date and are heading into Saturday’s fixture without any fear. They suffered a blip with four losses in a row but bounced back superbly with a 3-1 win away at Everton which aided Leeds’ survival bid.
Fulham will be playing with freedom and without pressure which could go one of two ways for Leeds. It could either see them produce free-flowing football or it could potentially leave them slightly open at the back. Leeds will certainly be hoping for the latter.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay has shared an injury update that could rule one star out for the rest of the season.