Preview: Fulham vs Leeds United

Preview: Fulham vs Leeds United

Midweek Carabao Cup action for the Whites.

Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United side take on Sky Bet Championship opposition on Tuesday evening, when they travel to face Fulham (7:45pm).

The Whites head to Craven Cottage looking to progress into Round Four of the Carabao Cup, having previously beaten Crewe Alexandra at Elland Road, in Round Two. The hosts got to this stage by beating their league rivals, Birmingham City. 

This is only the second time the two teams have faced one another in what is traditionally know as the ‘League Cup’, with Leeds winning on that occasion, a one-nil success in the 1969/70 season. 

The Cottagers are flying high currently in the second tier of English football, as their good start has them in second place. Five wins, one draw and two losses from their opening eight matches is a good return for Marco Silva, having taken charge in the summer. 

The goals have been flowing for Aleksandar Mitrovic, a striker who needs no introduction. He has six to his name up to now and will be a familiar opponent to the Whites, if selected to play. 

In the previous round, the goals came from 18-year-old Jay Stansfield, who netted his first for the club, and USA international full-back, Antonee Robinson, also getting his first for Fulham. 

For Leeds, Jack Harrison will still be missing from the squad which is a blow, after his two well-taken goals last time out in this competition put the gloss on what was an excellent display from the winger. The other goalscorer vs Crewe, Kalvin Phillips, is available if selected. 

The draw for Round Four of the competition will take place around the time of 10pm on Wednesday evening at Potton Bowls Club in Sandy, Bedfordshire, following the conclusion of Manchester United’s clash with West Ham United.


Manager/head coach:

Fulham: Marco Silva

Leeds: Marcelo Bielsa


Carabao Cup Round Two result:

Birmingham City 0

Fulham 2 (Stansfield 26’, Robinson 90’)

 

Leeds United 3 (Phillips 79', Harrison 85’, 90’)

Crewe Alexandra 0


Top scorer (all competitions): 

Fulham: Aleksandar Mitrovic (6)

Leeds: Raphinha (2), Jack Harrison (2)


Head to head

Fulham: 19

Draws: 15

Leeds: 25


Last win at Craven Cottage: 

Friday 19th March, 2021

Premier League  

Fulham 1 (Andersen 38’)

Leeds 2 (Bamford 29’, Raphinha 58’)


Team news:

Marcelo Bielsa and Marco Silva will both have plenty of decisions to make ahead of the game. Changes are expected from each side with opportunities possible for some of the younger players on the books in both West London and West Yorkshire. 

The main changes for the Whites are expected to be in the defensive line, with a number of key players missing through both injury and suspension. Fulham are likely to still be missing Tom Cariney, Terence Kongolo, Kenny Tete and Fabio Carvalho on the night.


Officials

Referee – Tim Robinson

Assistant Referee 1 – Nigel Lugg

Assistant Referee 2 – Andrew Fox

Fourth Official – David Rock


Players to watch:

Jay Stansfield vs Crysencio Summerville

Two young players who have tasted first team action recently and will be hoping to get another chance on Tuesday evening in the cup. Stansfield scored last time out for Fulham in this competition against Birmingham, whilst Summerville’s impressive performances and record at Under-23s level saw him play against Newcastle in the Premier League on Friday night. If selected, both players will be looking to make an impact and help their side into the draw for Round Four. 


Latest odds

Fulham: 7/4

Draw: 23/10

Leeds: 7/5


How to watch

The match has not been selected for live UK broadcast. Match commentary is available via LUTV.


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