After achieving only one win in his first three games as the gaffer, and that a Cup tie at Fleetwood Town, Garry Monk needs a positive result tomorrow. Even though I think the past performances by the Whites have been poor, I believe we can get three points! Garry has had enough games in charge to know what changes he needs to make to the lineup, and he will pick the right starting XI. God help us if he doesn’t.
The Whites host Fulham for a night game at Elland Road. Fulham are a team who opened up the season with a 1-0 victory over Newcastle, they have won three in a row, and they are undefeated coming into this game. The Cottagers are a very strong team right now and a tough opponent, which makes this game the perfect opportunity for Garry Monk to rewrite his early wrongs.
A poor start to the season has many Leeds fans unsettled. We are aiming for a top 6 finish. We have a hotshot young manager and a team with a balance of youth and experience, but thus far we cannot seem to figure out the winning formula.
What changes need to be made for Tomorrow?
One thing we can all see is that our back 4 needs to come alive. We give up goals on corners, and our marking on all set pieces is absolutely awful. Ayling had a good debut, but inconsistent Sol Bamba struggled for the 3rd game in a row. If we want a positive result vs. Fulham, we need Liam Cooper to start over Bamba, or for Bamba to wake up.
Leeds also need a change at LB. Charlie Taylor hasn’t had his head in the game at all this season, and it’s only going to get worse for the lad if he isn’t sold or loaned out soon. Sadly, we have no replacement for Taylor if Monk choose to replace him in the team-sheet, so Taylor will likely keep his place in the starting XI.
The midfield looked decent in the last game, with Hadi Sacko netting the lone goal for the team. I would start him up top with Antonsson, as Chris Wood looks lost and isolated on the field each game. To take Sacko’s place, if Monk were to push him up as a striker, I’d put Kemar Roofe or Stuart Dallas out on the right hand side. These changes need to happen if Garry Monk wants to kickstart his sputtering side.
Last Meetings
Leeds and Fulham played to 1-1 draws in both games of the Championship season.
Leeds’ last six matches vs Fulham: W2 D2 L2
Leeds United Player to Watch
Fulham needs to watch out for Hadi Sacko. The right-sided midfielder will make his presence known in the game, as he’s been a scoring threat in every appearance this season. After scoring vs. Birmingham City, I think he’ll add another goal to his name. He has plenty of competition for his starting spot, so I think Sacko will be motivated to keep his spot in the team.
Fulham Player to Watch
Leeds need to watch out for Sone Aluko, a Nigerian born forward with insane pace. He leads Fulham with two goals in the Championship, and he’s looking to keep up his scoring tally. Bartley and Bamba (assuming these two start tomorrow) will need to be aware of him at all times. One mistake by either of them can lead to an easy goal (as we know all too well).
WHAT
Leeds United vs. Fulham FC
Football League Championship
WHERE
Elland Road, Leeds
LUTV, BBC Radio Leeds
WHEN
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
11:45am PT / 2:45pm ET / 7:45pm BT
WHO
Leeds United’s possible lineup
Green, Ayling, Bartley, Bamba, Taylor, Hernandez, Mowatt, Diagouraga, Sacko, Roofe, Antonsson
Fulham’s possible lineup
Button, Odoi, Kalas, Madl, Malone, Ayite, Tunnicliffe, McDonald, Cairney, Aluko, Smith
ODDS
Leeds 7/5
Draw 12/5
Fulham 19/10
PREDICTION
Even though Leeds have been poor as of late, I think this game will mark the sign of positives. A draw or a win in this game will make me happy. Monk likely just has one last game to experiment. After this game he needs to pick a consistent starting XI and give us fans the satisfaction of winning that we all deserve. In this game, I think Sacko will be an absolute monster. My prediction is that Leeds will win 3-1. Sacko will pick up the brace, Marcus Antonsson will add a goal, and Pablo Hernandez will have 2 assists. I think the lone goal scored by Fulham will be an own goal by Sol Bamba, thus making this his last game in the starting XI.
Here’s to a good game ladies and gentleman! See you in the gamethread tomorrow. #MOT