Leeds Utd vs Fulham

Premier League football returns to Elland Road today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, as Leeds United hosts Fulham. Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 GMT.

This fixture carries significant weight for both sides: Leeds aims to capitalize on their recent unbeaten home run to pull further away from the relegation zone, while Fulham seeks to maintain their push for a European qualification spot.

Match Information

Leeds United: Defensive Resilience and Survival Hopes

Under Daniel Farke, Leeds United has found a level of stability that was missing earlier in the campaign. Currently sitting in 16th place with 22 points, the Whites have established an eight-point buffer over the bottom three. Their form at Elland Road has been a cornerstone of this resurgence; they are unbeaten in their last four home league matches, including impressive defensive displays against top-half opposition.

The squad enters this match with high morale following a 3–1 FA Cup victory over Derby County. Farke has emphasized "humility" in the pre-match press, noting that while their December unbeaten run was vital, the goal of Premier League survival is not yet secured.

Team News and Selection:

• Injury Update: Daniel James (hamstring) remains the only definitive absentee.

• Returns: Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk, and James Justin were all rested during the cup tie and are expected to return to the starting XI. New loan signing Facundo Buonanotte is available for his debut but will likely start from the bench.

• Key Player: Dominic Calvert-Lewin is the focal point of the attack, having already contributed 9 league goals this season.

• Predicted XI (3-4-1-2): Perri; Rodon, Bijol, Struijk; Justin, Gruev, Ampadu, Gudmundsson; Aaronson; Calvert-Lewin, Nmecha.

Fulham: European Ambitions and Squad Depth

Marco Silva’s Fulham occupies 9th place and arrives in West Yorkshire as one of the most efficient sides in the division. Despite several key absences, the Cottagers have remained competitive, recently securing an FA Cup win over Middlesbrough.

Fulham has a strong recent record against Leeds, winning the last three encounters, including a 1–0 victory at Craven Cottage earlier this season. Silva will look to exploit Leeds' tendency to concede late; Fulham has gained six points this season from goals scored in the final 10 minutes of matches.

Team News and Selection:

• AFCON Absences: Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze are all unavailable as they represent Nigeria in today's AFCON third-place playoff against Egypt.

• Injuries: Kenny Tete and Rodrigo Muniz (both thigh) are out. Joshua King is a late fitness doubt due to a knee concern.

• Key Player: Harry Wilson is in peak form, having been involved in 11 goals already this season.

• Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Diop, Robinson; Berge, Cairney; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Kevin; Jimenez.

Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats

• Recent Dominance: Fulham has won their last three Premier League meetings against Leeds United.

• Elland Road Streak: Leeds has not lost at home at half-time in their last 16 fixtures at Elland Road.

• Goals Guaranteed: Both teams have scored in each of Leeds' last eight home matches.

• First Meeting (2025/26): Fulham won 1–0 on September 13, 2025, thanks to a second-half strike at Craven Cottage.

Tactical Analysis and Prediction

Daniel Farke’s transition to a 3-4-1-2 system has improved Leeds’ defensive structure, particularly with the trio of Rodon, Bijol, and Struijk. However, they face a Fulham side that excels in technical ball retention and wide-area overloads through Antonee Robinson and Harry Wilson.

Without the physicality of Bassey in defense or the creativity of Iwobi, Fulham may be more vulnerable to Leeds' direct transitions. Conversely, Leeds must remain disciplined in the closing stages to avoid becoming another victim of Fulham's late-game heroics.

Final Score Prediction: Leeds United 1–1 Fulham