Fulham want to stay on course in the cup
The season of promoted Fulham could not have gone much better so far. Now they are aiming for another success in the cup as well
The bookmakers’ Fulham vs. Leeds prediction shows that the bettors definitely trust the hosts at Craven Cottage to pull off the next coup.
Meanwhile, Fulham can also live with being the favourites. And in this cup match, it is definitely the home side who are the favourites. However, Leeds should not be underestimated, because the guests also have qualities in their ranks.
In principle, there is a lot to be said for it being a cup fight. Individually, not too much separates the two. Based on impressions so far this season, our Fulham vs Leeds tip is that the hosts will not lose and will score over 1.5 goals.
Fulham – Statistics & current form
For a promoted side, Fulham are playing an absolutely excellent role this season. The hosts are way up in the league table and have absolutely no problems with staying in the class. The Cottagers can set themselves completely different goals, a finish in the upper half of the table is very conceivable. A carefree season also means there is little pressure. So the cup match is a bonus game of sorts, but not one that will be approached without ambition.
The important thing for Fulham is to manage to get a good balance on the field. Last Friday against Wolverhampton (1-1) they managed that for long stretches. The draw ensured that the good streak continues. Fulham have now not lost for six competitive games and naturally want to celebrate another success against Leeds.
In the course of the Premier League season so far, there have also only been three home defeats for the Cottagers. Fulham average 1.69 points per game at home, which is a good value. The attack also works better here, with 21 goals in the league compared to 15 away goals.
Fulham have improved significantly defensively
In addition, the development this season speaks for Fulham. During the course of the season, the hosts have improved especially defensively. In the last nine games in the domestic league, they never conceded more than one goal. This stability also allows the team to compensate for the absence of Aleksandar Mitrovic, who is the top scorer with eleven goals.
In the cup, Hull and Sunderland have been eliminated so far, now the first opponent from the Premier League in this competition comes to London. On the one hand, advancing would provide prestige, on the other hand, of course, it would also bring in revenue. That’s why Fulham are unlikely to rotate much, even though the squad is quite capable in terms of width.
Before this match, there are some elements that speak in favour of the hosts. Fulham are more stable and in better form, have less pressure than Leeds. Therefore, before the game Fulham vs. Leeds, our tip is also that the hosts do not lose, thereby more than 1.5 goals fall in this game.
Predicted Fulham line-up:
Rodak; Cedric, Duffy, Adarabioyo, Kurzawa; Lukic, Reed; Wilson, Solomon, James; Vinicius
Last matches played by Fulham:
Premier League
25/02/2023 – Fulham 1 – 1 Wolverhampton
18/02/2023 – Brighton 0 – 1 Fulham
11/02/2023 – Fulham 2 – 0 Nottingham Forest
FA Cup
09/02/2023 – Sunderland 2 – 3 Fulham
Premier League
04/02/2023 – Chelsea FC 0 – 0 Fulham
Leeds – Statistics & current form
Leeds United, unlike Fulham, are in the Premier League relegation battle. However, the visitors recently won the basement duel against Southampton with 1-0. Goal scorer was Junior Firpo, the goal and the victory were much celebrated. Javi Gracia, the team’s new coach, has given Leeds a new identity. Above all, the fight factor is now a decisive one.
The squad reads anything but bad with players like Wöber, Koch, McKennie, Harrison, Gnonto and Co. and if the visitors now get into the mode of getting the best out of themselves again, then staying in the league is the logical consequence. However, 17th place and 22 points still set off all the alarm bells, especially as there is no classic goalscorer after Rodrigo.
Leeds have five wins in the league so far, which puts them in the bottom of the league along with the three teams in the relegation places. However, 29 goals of their own is good value, which is the best offensive value of the last six teams in the league.
Leeds United with problems away from home
The most disastrous thing this season is the record away from home. Leeds won only one league game away from home. In total, Leeds have conceded 23 goals in away games. 0.5 points on average per game is not a good rate, especially as the 1.33 points at home are not exactly outstanding either.
There have been eight away defeats all season. Most recently they lost at Everton, Nottingham and Aston Villa, scoring only one goal in the process. Of course, knockout games are always judged differently and the conditions are entirely new, but there’s not much encouragement in that.
The question of approach is an intriguing one, but both teams are likely to play with their sights open from a certain point onwards because, after all, progress is at stake. Therefore, ahead of the Fulham v Leeds game, our value tip is that more than 2.5 goals will be scored.
Predicted Leeds line-up:
Robles; Kristensen, Koch, Wober, Firpo; Greenwood, Gyabi, Roca, Summerville; Bamford, Rutter
Last matches played by Leeds:
Premier League
25/02/2023 – Leeds 1 – 0 Southampton
18/02/2023 – Everton 1 – 0 Leeds
12/02/2023 – Leeds 0 – 2 Manchester United
09/02/2023 – Manchester United 2 – 2 Leeds
05/02/2023 – Nottingham Forest 1 – 0 Leeds
Fulham – Leeds Direct Comparison / H2H Record
The direct comparison is relatively even. Fulham have won 20 games against Leeds, while the visitors have 25 wins to their name so far. With 90:71 goals scored, Leeds are also ahead here. However, Fulham won the first leg 3:2.
Fulham – Leeds Tip
Two teams with different states of mind meet directly. Fulham have a good chance to win the next game as well and celebrate the next success this season. Leeds, however, have sensed their chance again after winning at the weekend.
Fulham have confidence, showing good form especially at home to Craven Cottage. That’s why, ahead of the Fulham vs Leeds game, our tip is that the hosts don’t lose and score more than 1.5 goals.
