Leeds United will clash heads with Fulham at the Craven Cottage on Friday night, hoping to pick up a win on their travels. The Whites will be heading into the contest on the back of a 0-0 draw with Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea, whereas the Cottagers recorded a 3-0 loss against the Citizens on Sunday.
Marcelo Bielsa will probably opt for the 4-1-4-1 formation with a couple of tweaks from the last game as Rodrigo looks likely to make his way back into the starting eleven.
4-1-4-1 Leeds United Predicted Lineup To Face Fulham
Defence
Illan Meslier will continue to operate in between the sticks for the upcoming away encounter. The French shot-stopper made some brilliant saves to stop the Chelsea frontmen from finding the back of the net last week, and he’ll be hoping to repeat more of the same against Scott Parker’s men.
Diego Llorente will form the centre-half partnership with Pascal Struijk at the heart of Leeds’ backline.
Ezgjan Alioski is a guaranteed starter at the left-back position, whereas Luke Ayling will fill in on the other flank as the right-back. The duo would be looking to stretch the opposition backline and create meaningful chances for the front-men.
Midfield
Kalvin Phillips and Stuart Dallas will slot into the holding midfield positions, with the former occupying a more defensive role.
Rodrigo is expected to start in the attacking midfield position. The Brazilian international would be determined to set up some clear-cut goal scoring chances for his teammates.
Rodrigo will be accompanied by Jack Harrison and Raphinha on either side, playing on the left and right-wing, respectively. The latter has been in fine form lately, often creating menace for the opposition defenders down the right-flank; however, he’ll be hoping to get his name on the scoresheet this weekend.
Mateusz Klich will have to settle for a place on the bench, but he might be called upon in the latter stages of the game if needed.
Attack
Patrick Bamford, who picked up an unfortunate injury in Leeds’ goalless draw with Chelsea, is expected to miss the upcoming trip to Craven Cottage.
As a result, Tyler Roberts will lead the line for the visitors against Fulham. The Welsh striker will have to make the most of his chances when he faces off against the Fulham defence that has kept five clean sheets in their last eleven league matches.
