Fulham vs Leeds United – Matchday 4 Preview
Date & Kick-off: Saturday, 13 September 2025
Venue: Craven Cottage, London
Competition: Premier League 2025-26
Recent Form & Context
Fulham
Fulham have had a frustrating start. They’re still searching for their first Premier League win this season.
They picked up draws in their opening two games: 1-1 away at Brighton and a 1-1 home tie with Manchester United.
Their latest game was a 0-2 defeat at Chelsea, which carried controversy. A Joshua King goal was ruled out after a VAR review due to a foul in the build-up, and then Fulham conceded a penalty.
Defensive issues are emerging: Fulham have conceded a penalty in each of their first five Premier League matches (with the current streak), matching long-held unfavourable records.
Leeds United
Leeds were promoted from the Championship in 2024-25 and are adjusting to life back in the top flight under Daniel Farke.
Their early season has had mixed results: they have earned 4 points from their first three Premier League games.
They have also had defensive/injury concerns. Key players like Ao Tanaka and Ethan Ampadu are recovering and may be available for the squad though maybe not starting.
Goalkeeper Lucas Perri is currently injured, which could force a change between the sticks.
Head-to-Head & Stakes
Fulham have won their last three Premier League matches against Leeds. That gives them a psychological edge at Craven Cottage.
Leeds will be desperate to get their first away win of the season and prove they can compete in tight away fixtures.
For Fulham, anything less than a win could deepen early-season jitters, especially defensively.
Team News & Possible Injuries
Fulham
Issa Diop is a doubt due to a knock.
New signings: Fulham brought in Samuel Chukwueze, Kevin (Brazilian winger from Shakhtar), and young forward Jonah Kusi-Asare late in the window.
Competition for places is intense, especially in the attacking/flanks with players like Harry Wilson, Adama Traoré, Ryan Sessegnon, Alex Iwobi, etc.
Leeds United
Lucas Perri is injured, so expect Karl Darlow or possibly another keeper to feature.
Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka are both injured and just returning to training; they might be in the squad but less likely to start.
Predicted Lineups
| Fulham (4-2-3-1) | Leeds United (4-3-3) |
|---|---|
| GK: Bernd Leno | GK: Illan Meslier |
| RB: Kenny Tete | RB: Jayden Bogle |
| CB: Joachim Andersen | CB: Jaka Bijol |
| CB: Calvin Bassey | CB: Pascal Struijk |
| LB: Ryan Sessegnon | LB: Gabriel Gudmundsson |
| CM: Saša Lukić | CM: Anton Stach |
| CM: Sander Berge | CM: Ilia Gruev |
| RW: Harry Wilson | CM: Sean Longstaff |
| CAM: Joshua King | RW: Wilfried Gnonto |
| LW: Alex Iwobi | LW: Daniel James |
| ST: Rodrigo Muniz | CF: Lukas Nmecha |
Players to Watch
Image- Leeds United (Official Website)
Wilfried Gnonto (Leeds United):
The young winger provides explosive pace and direct dribbling on the right-hand side. If he finds space behind Sessegnon, Gnonto could be Leeds’ most dangerous outlet in transition.
Rodrigo Muniz (Fulham):
The Brazilian striker will be Fulham’s focal point up front. His strength, hold-up play, and ability to get into the right positions make him a constant threat. If Muniz receives quality service from the wings, he could be decisive in this fixture.
Alex Iwobi (Fulham):
Operating on the left flank, Iwobi’s creativity and dribbling skills can unlock Leeds’ defense. His link-up play and ability to deliver dangerous balls into the box will be key for Fulham’s attacking momentum.
Anton Stach (Leeds United):
The midfield engine for Leeds. Stach’s ball-winning ability and composure in transitions will be crucial to breaking up Fulham’s rhythm. Expect him to be heavily involved in controlling the tempo and protecting the backline.
Lukas Nmecha (Leeds United):
Leeds’ central striker offers pace, strength, and a sharp eye for goal. His movement between Fulham’s center-backs Andersen and Bassey will be one of the decisive duels of the game.
On Fulham’s side, the new signings might rotate in: Kevin, Chukwueze, Jonah Kusi-Asare are available but may not all start.
Leeds may stick with the midfield trio that can work defensively and try to strike on the break. Anton Stach has been noted as a key midfield performer.
Key Players to Watch
Anton Stach (Leeds): If Leeds are to control midfield and contain Fulham’s flanks, Stach’s energy, defensive work, and transitions will be crucial.
Rodrigo Muniz (Fulham): Their main outlet up front; Fulham will need him to hold up play, stretch the Leeds backline, and convert any chances.
Defensive solidity: Both teams have had issues – Fulham with conceding penalties, Leeds with changes in defensive personnel. How each back line copes under pressure will likely decide the outcome.
Predicted Outcome & What to Expect
Tactical battle: Fulham will most likely dominate possession at Craven Cottage, try to press and create chances from the wings (with players like Wilson, Iwobi, possibly the new winger “Kevin”). Leeds will likely absorb pressure initially and try to hit on the counter.
Goal expectancy: Given Fulham’s struggles in defence and Leeds’ issues in attack (especially with absentees), this could be a low-scoring affair or one decided by a momentary lapse or set-piece.
Possible result: Prediction leans toward Leeds United edging it 2-1, taking advantage of Fulham’s defensive slack. But Fulham do have the home edge and momentum in head-to-heads.
Featured Image- Fulham FC (Official Website)
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