Fulham will be looking to consolidate their place in the top 10 of the Premier League when they play host to Leeds United at Craven Cottage on Saturday. The visitors, meanwhile, are seeking to bounce back from successive heavy defeats as they bid to steer themselves away from the hotly-contested relegation battle.
Team News:
Fulham striker and top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic will serve the fourth of his eight-game suspension this weekend and will not be available for selection until May 13.
The Cottagers are also without injured duo Neeskens Kebano (Achilles) and Layvin Kurzawa (knee), while Daniel James – on loan from Leeds – is ineligible to face his parent club.
The absence of James will likely see Carlos Vinicius lead the line, while Wilson could retain his place on the right flank ahead of Bobby Decordova-Reid and Manor Solomon.
As for Leeds, Tyler Adams (thigh) and Stuart Dallas (thigh) both remain sidelined through injury, while injury-prone striker Patrick Bamford sustained a calf issue in the defeat to Liverpool and is a doubt for Saturday.
Gracia is sure to ponder changes, particularly in defence, following the last two performances, with captain Liam Cooper, Maximilian Wober and Luke Ayling all looking to force their way back into the starting lineup.
Midfielder Adam Forshaw will be looking to start his first Leeds game since December at the expense of either Marc Roca or Weston McKennie, while Sinisterra – who limped off with a lower leg issue against Liverpool – should be fit to continue on the left flank ahead of Wilfried Gnonto.
Fulham possible starting lineup:
Leno; Tete, Ream, Tosin, Robinson; Reed, Palhinha; Wilson, Pereira, Willian; Vinicius
Leeds United possible starting lineup:
Meslier; Ayling, Cooper, Wober, Firpo; McKennie, Roca; Harrison, Aaronson, Sinisterra; Rodrigo
Prediction: Fulham 2-1 Leeds United
While Leeds have had no problems finding the net in recent weeks, scoring in each of their last six matches, defensive frailties have ultimately led to their downfall and they cannot afford another woeful showing at the back if they are to turn their fortunes around heading down the home straight.
However, the Whites have already struggled in two meetings with Fulham this term and we believe that the hosts, who managed to cope well without the presence of Mitrovic last time out, will come out on top once again at Craven Cottage.
