Rabiu AminuLeeds United predicted XI to face Fulham – View
The Whites’ attention shifted to the FA Cup last weekend where Leeds’ professional performance turned around a one-goal deficit at Derby County to win 3-1.
Daniel Farke’s focus is now squarely on the battle to stay in the Premier League, buoyed by a fresh addition in a problem position. Facundo Buonanotte joins on loan from Brighton after we missed out during the summer.
Leeds United team news confirmed pre-Fulham: Positive Jayden Bogle, Sebastiaan Bornauw updates With six days’ rest between games, Leeds have thankfully seen the back of an energy-sapping schedule either side of new year. In the process, Leeds have opened up a gap of eight points to the bottom three.
This much needed respite from quick turnarounds means Farke has a much better bill of health in his squad this week. Injury concerns for Sebastiaan Bornauw and Jayden Bogle have subsided, with both back in team training, as is Joe Rodon.
Jayden Bogle and Sebastiaan Bornauw returned to Leeds United training this week.
Dan James remains out of the main group, but Farke revealed the Wales winger isn’t far off a return to training.
Here, I predict the Leeds United starting XI that Farke could name vs Fulham this Saturday…Goalkeeper: Lucas Perri This decision was more what I expect from Farke than what I actually want him to do. I think he’s going to stick by Lucas Perri despite his errors in the past two league games.
Farke pulled no punches on Perri’s contribution to Man United’s equaliser and Newcastle United’s winner. It suggests he’s shifted his mentality since protecting Illan Meslier from any sort of criticism, but it’s not got as bad for Perri as it did for the Frenchman last season.
Leeds United’s Lucas Perri is under big pressure as number one.
I do think Karl Darlow would be more than worthy of featuring. He didn’t have much to do at Derby other than fail to stop what was a fine finish from Ben Brereton Diaz. His distribution was composed and a breath of fresh air, though, and that could factor in.
I just think that Farke will stick by Perri and give him a show of confidence, something he desperately needs. The Brazilian has to start repaying Farke’s faith, though.Defence: James Justin, Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol, Pascal Struijk, Gabriel Gudmundsson In defence, the headache (a positive one, mind) is whether to instantly bring Bogle back into the squad. For me, his fitness is still one to manage and in the meantime, James Justin has more than deserved his spot in the side.
Justin commented after his first goal for the club vs Derby that the Elland Road dressing room is the easiest he’s ever fit into. It proves that confidence and the right environment can play such a huge role in a player’s form.
Leeds United right-back James Justin has proven to be very reliable.
As for the rest of the defence, I’m expecting us to revert to full strength. That means a centre-back trio of Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk. This set of three have shown incredible balance since settling into our new formation, providing real physical and aerial dominance, as well as class in possession too.
On the left side, Gabriel Gudmundsson returns after some important resting time. He’s going to need to be at the top of his game against Fulham star Harry Wilson. Leeds’ failed summer target has unsurprisingly become of the most in-form players in the league at the moment.
Midfield: Brenden Aaronson, Ethan Ampadu, Anton Stach I ummed and ahhed about where to put Brenden Aaronson. He’s got to start. There’s no debating that. But, he’s proven to not only be a viable right-sided midfield option in the three, but also a second striker too.
Even when he struggled for final third involvement, I did always like the positions Aaronson picked up in the right-half-space between our right-back and striker. His second goal came from that area against Newcastle. And, Farke’s comments on how our in-possession structure has shifted into a 3-4-3 means that Aaronson, here, would be operating more as a right-winger than a traditional number eight. Brenden Aaronson is enjoying the best form of his career at Leeds United. It’s the same that we could hope for from Buonanotte, who should be on the bench for his first glimpse of Elland Road as a home player.
Elsewhere, Ethan Ampadu anchors the midfield as usual to give Leeds the required bite, and hopefully stop compatriot Wilson from drifting into pockets between our midfield and defence.
Anton Stach resides on the left side of the midfield, and is now finally getting the plaudits his quality deserves, proving to be one of Leeds’ best summer acquisitions.
Forwards: Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Noah Okafor The inclusion of Aaronson in a midfield role, shifting into a 3-4-3 when Leeds have the ball, lends itself to Noah Okafor starting up front. In turn, he’d be playing much more to his own strengths.
When he tries to pin defenders on halfway, I’m often left pulling my hair out at him not retaining possession. But, get him into space on the left and he’s a menace. Leeds need to tap into that more than anything else. Having the cover of Stach and Gudmundsson there allows Okafor to play as a bit more of a luxury. Especially at home when we want to be on the front foot.
Leaving Lukas Nmecha on the bench was largely down to the fact that he’s our closest alternative to the main man, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who I’ll gush about in a sec. Nmecha splits opinion, but what is clear is that he’s our next best ‘outlet’ up front. As a result, starting both DCL and Nmecha up front runs us the risk of looking seriously leggy in the latter stages.
Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has won the Premier League Player of the Month prize. As for Calvert-Lewin. What a player, honestly. He’s just scooped up the Premier League Player of the Month prize for December. And rightly so, after scoring six in five games across the final month of 2025.
It’s a testament not only to Calvert-Lewin being a total wrecking ball in the final third, but to Farke for finally finding that setup to get the best out of Leeds’ most important player.
There’s not much else to say about Calvert-Lewin at the moment. My main takeaway right now is that we could do with signing a striker to supplement him, erasing my lingering fear that we’re one injury away from falling off a cliff.
Full Leeds United predicted XI to face Fulham
Kris Smith has been a dedicated LeedsAllOver writer and editor since the summer of 2020, stepping into the role just as Leeds United earned promotion to the Premier League under the legendary Marcelo Bielsa. Over the years, he has remained a constant voice at the heart of the club’s coverage, providing fans with breaking news, in-depth match analysis, transfer updates, and insightful commentary on the biggest talking points surrounding Elland Road.
What helps set Kris apart is also his deep personal connection to Leeds United. A season ticket holder in the South Stand for over a decade, he has experienced the full rollercoaster of emotions – from the highs of promotion and thrilling BielsaBall to the challenges of relegation scraps, ownership challenges and every chaotic day the club has to offer. This first-hand perspective allows him to blend analytical nous with the passion of a lifelong supporter, offering a unique and authentic voice in his coverage.
Whether dissecting tactical decisions, assessing player performances, or weighing in on any off-field developments, Kris approaches each topic with well-informed opinions shaped by years of matchday experiences. He isn’t afraid to voice strong viewpoints, whether positive or negative, ensuring his work resonates with fellow fans who value honest, engaged journalism.
Beyond just reporting, Kris has looked to gain strong rapport with the Leeds United community, contributing to the broader conversation with a mix of statistical insight and fan-driven sentiment. His commitment to covering the club through every high and low looks to see him solidify as a voice supporters can trust, who crave substance, credibility, and a genuine connection to the team they love.
Qudus Salihu
Rabiu Aminu
Mustapha Sheidu
