Fulham put an end to a five-game losing streak with a 3-1 victory over relegation-threatened Everton, silencing critics who suggested they were already mentally on vacation. Manager Marco Silva praised his team for achieving 42 points and near-certain safety early in the season. Now, they’re looking to spoil the day for another struggling side, Leeds United.
Returning to Craven Cottage could give Fulham the boost they need. Despite losing their last two home games without scoring, they were unbeaten in their previous four, including a 2-0 FA Cup win over Leeds (W2, D2, L2). Fulham also won this season’s reverse fixture and are now pursuing their first-ever streak of three consecutive wins against Leeds since their initial meeting in 1920.
Leeds suffered a demoralizing 6-1 defeat to Liverpool, marking their first back-to-back league losses with at least five goals conceded. With 16 goals conceded in April alone – at least eight more than any other Premier League team in the same period – and a slim two-point lead over the relegation zone, Javi Gracia’s side faces a tense end to the season. Their last two away games, featuring six goals conceded and five scored, suggest another high-energy encounter.
Players to Watch
With ineligible loanee Daniel James unavailable, Fulham may turn to Manor Solomon for offensive prowess. Solomon netted against Leeds in the previous home head-to-head during a five-game scoring streak. Jack Harrison of Leeds recently became the first outfield player to make 100 top-flight appearances for the club since 2004 and could impact the game with four goal contributions in his last six matches (G3, A1).
Hot Stat
Leeds have failed to win the majority of their league games when scoring first (W5, D3, L4).
