Leeds United
Lost their second league game in a row this season at home to Birmingham, under-performing below Garry Monk’s high standards. The had hopes to make Elland Road a fortress. They need to start picking up points, but recent performances simply need to be significantly improved upon. Leeds could very well start this match in a 4-3-3, just as they did in pre-season at times. Fully fit Cooper is expected to return in place of the out of form Bamba at centre back. Roofe and Diagouraga are also likely to come back into the side ahead of Mowatt and Wood. Berardi is the only player out of action through injury. Ayling to remain at right back. The manager is looking to implement an intricate passing game to the team, but they are still getting used to this and are making some errors. They are likely to persist with this and improve over time. However this does means that they will have some inconsistency issues, which will effect them. Like to play with real width and get crosses into the box to get the best out of the striker and his support. Both full backs will overlap and provide width, in addition to the wide midfielders. Both work in a combination, but again, they are still getting used to this. Will want to secure a victory after two defeats in their opening two Championship encounters. However there will be some nerves. Manager wants them to play with confidence, but they would take any kind of victory now.
Fulham
Ever since Ross McCormack was sold, things on the pitch have improved for Fulham. They will miss his goals in the long run, but it seems to have galvanised the whole group. Confidence is high after three wins from three. Squad isn’t the biggest but they are managing so far. Can still name a decent looking bench. Recent form against Leeds hasn’t been the best, so a win would further increase mood. Anway, they’re in terrific form and full of confidence. They will look to ease their way into the game and gain a defensive stranglehold first and foremost. This will then give them the right to open up more and force the issue offensively. They like to play a possession game and progress through the thirds. Have the players to do that, with forwards being clever at taking up spaces. They also have a target man, meaning that they can go more direct and bypass the midfield if they are indeed struggling with their more preferred route. They believe that win is possible and considering their confidence, and Leeds’ lack of, then they’ll push for it. Are naturally an attack minded team, but will pay Leeds will respect at Elland Road. Are much more tactically versatile compared to last season, so they’ll back themselves to manage the game.
Verdict & Prediction
Fulham are in tremendous form and are one of the only teams to have won both league games, as well as their cup tie. When they lost Ross McCormack on the eve of the new season, there was real worry. However they have won all three matches since that point. The team spirit is shining through and Jokanovic is building something quite special.
Prediction: Fulham +0.00
Odds: 1.96 Dafabet
