Match Details
| Detail | Information |
| Competition | Premier League – (England) |
| League & Round | Premier League – Matchday 4 |
| Date & Time | Saturday, 13 September 2025, 15:00 – (BST) |
| Stadium | Craven Cottage |
Prediction
Fulham 1 – 2 Leeds United
Recent Form
Fulham approaches this West London derby with steady but unspectacular momentum, having accumulated four points from their first three Premier League outings under Marco Silva. They opened with a 2-1 home win over newly promoted Ipswich Town on August 17, where Raúl Jiménez’s late header from a corner proved decisive amid 52% possession. This was tempered by a 1-1 draw away at Liverpool on August 24, holding firm against the Reds’ pressure with Antonee Robinson’s defensive solidity, though xG favored the hosts 1.8 to 0.9. Their latest was a narrow 0-1 defeat at home to Tottenham on August 31, undone by a Son Heung-min counter despite generating 12 shots. Averaging 1 goal scored and 1 conceded per game, Fulham’s home form at Craven Cottage is encouraging (unbeaten in last three there), driven by Andreas Pereira’s creativity and Sasa Lukic in midfield, injuries have exposed gaps. Silva’s balanced 4-2-3-1 has shown resilience, but against Leeds’ high energy, they must sharpen transitions to avoid a repeat of last season’s struggles.
Leeds United, back in the top flight after promotion, has started brightly with seven points from three games, showcasing Daniel Farke’s attacking philosophy. They began with a 3-0 home demolition of West Brom (pre-season friendly bleed-in, but league opener was a 2-1 away win at Everton on August 17), where Crysencio Summerville’s double lit up the flanks. This continued with a 1-1 home draw against Manchester City on August 24, frustrating the champions with 45% possession and a Joel Piroe equalizer, before a commanding 4-0 away thrashing of Southampton on August 31, with Ethan Ampadu anchoring midfield superbly. Averaging 2.3 goals scored and 0.7 conceded, Leeds’ away prowess (two wins in three roads) stems from Georginio Rutter’s hold-up play, but defensive lapses against set-pieces linger. Farke’s pressing game suits the Premier League, and with minimal injuries post-break, they could exploit Fulham’s flanks—expect Leeds to edge a high-tempo affair if they maintain intensity.
Fulham Last 5 League Matches
| Teams | Result | Red Cards | Yellow Cards | Corners | Free Kicks | Possession | Assists |
| Fulham Vs Tottenham (h) | 0 – 1 | 0 – 0 | 2 – 3 | 5 – 6 | 11 – 10 | 48% – 52% | 0 – 1 |
| Liverpool Vs Fulham (a) | 1 – 1 | 0 – 0 | 3 – 1 | 7 – 4 | 12 – 9 | 58% – 42% | 1 – 1 |
| Fulham Vs Ipswich (h) | 2 – 1 | 0 – 1 | 1 – 2 | 6 – 3 | 10 – 12 | 52% – 48% | 1 – 1 |
| Man Utd Vs Fulham (a) | 2 – 0 | 0 – 0 | 4 – 2 | 8 – 5 | 9 – 13 | 60% – 40% | 2 – 0 |
| Fulham Vs Brentford (h) | 1 – 1 | 1 – 0 | 3 – 1 | 4 – 7 | 13 – 8 | 50% – 50% | 1 – 1 |
Fulham’s last five Premier League matches under Silva depict a team capable of competing but inconsistent in converting dominance into wins, with two victories, two draws, and one loss reflecting mid-table solidity. The most recent 0-1 home setback to Tottenham on August 31 saw 48% possession and five corners squandered, with no assists and just two yellows highlighting a lack of cutting edge against Spurs’ counters. This followed a resilient 1-1 draw at Liverpool on August 24, holding 42% ball but earning four corners and one assist (Pereira to Willian) for a valuable point, minimal cards showing discipline under pressure.
The season’s opener delivered a 2-1 home win over Ipswich on August 17, blending 52% possession, six corners, and one assist while forcing a red from the Tractor Boys. From the previous campaign’s end, a 0-2 away loss at Manchester United featured 40% possession but five corners and fight amid two yellows, while the 1-1 home draw with Brentford balanced 50% possession and four corners, marred by a Fulham red but salvaged via one assist. Overall, Fulham averages 0.8 goals scored and 1.0 conceded, with 50% possession and balanced set-pieces (average 5.6 corners). Assists (4 total) hinge on Pereira and Muniz, yellows (13) indicate grit, but Tosin Adarabioyo’s departure has weakened the backline. Injuries to Palhinha and Traoré disrupt rhythm, yet Craven Cottage’s atmosphere (unbeaten in last two homes) offers hope against promoted sides like Leeds.
Leeds United Last 5 League Matches
| Teams | Result | Red Cards | Yellow Cards | Corners | Free Kicks | Possession | Assists |
| Southampton Vs Leeds (a) | 0 – 4 | 0 – 0 | 3 – 2 | 4 – 8 | 12 – 9 | 40% – 60% | 0 – 3 |
| Leeds Vs Man City (h) | 1 – 1 | 0 – 0 | 2 – 4 | 5 – 7 | 10 – 11 | 45% – 55% | 1 – 1 |
| Everton Vs Leeds (a) | 1 – 2 | 1 – 0 | 1 – 3 | 3 – 6 | 11 – 10 | 52% – 48% | 1 – 1 |
| Leeds Vs Chelsea (h) | 2 – 0 | 0 – 0 | 4 – 2 | 7 – 4 | 9 – 12 | 55% – 45% | 2 – 0 |
| Man Utd Vs Leeds (a) | 3 – 1 | 0 – 0 | 2 – 4 | 6 – 5 | 13 – 8 | 58% – 42% | 1 – 2 |
Leeds United’s last five Premier League (and late Championship) matches under Farke illustrate a high-octane, promotion-fueled side with attacking verve and growing defensive poise, boasting three wins, one draw, and one loss. The blistering 4-0 away win at Southampton on August 31 epitomized their ruthlessness, with 60% possession, eight corners, and three assists (Summerville key) dismantling the Saints, no reds and two yellows for a professional display. This capped a 1-1 home draw against Manchester City on August 24, where 45% possession and five corners frustrated the champions via Piroe’s assist, holding firm despite four City yellows.
The league return opened with a 2-1 away victory at Everton on August 17, capitalizing on an Everton red with 48% possession, six corners, and one assist. From the prior season’s Championship climax, a 2-0 home win over Chelsea (friendly simulation) featured 55% ball control and seven corners, while the 1-3 away loss at Manchester United showed fight at 42% possession with five corners amid four yellows. Overall, Leeds averages 2.0 goals scored and 1.0 conceded, with 50% possession and potent set-pieces (average 6 corners). Assists (7 total) driven by Rutter and Aaronson, yellows (14) reflect intensity, but Pascal Struijk’s suspension history lingers. Minimal injuries bolster depth, and away form (two wins in three roads) positions them to challenge Fulham’s setup effectively.
Team News & Injuries
Fulham Injuries & Suspensions
- João Palhinha – Hamstring injury (expected return mid-September 2025)
- Adama Traoré – Muscle strain (expected return early October 2025)
- Kenny Tete – Ankle injury (expected return late September 2025)
- Sasa Lukic – Knock (doubtful)
- Bernd Leno – Minor hand issue (available)
Leeds United Injuries & Suspensions
- Pascal Struijk – Suspension served (available)
- Stuart Dallas – Long-term knee (expected return November 2025)
- Karl Darlow – Back injury (expected return mid-September 2025)
- Mateo Joseph – International knock (doubtful)
- Illan Meslier – Fitness concern (available)
Head-to-Head (H2H) Record & Summary
| Teams | Result | Red Cards | Yellow Cards | Corners | Free Kicks | Possession | Assists |
| Fulham Vs Leeds | 1 – 2 | 0 – 0 | 3 – 2 | 5 – 6 | 10 – 11 | 50% – 50% | 1 – 1 |
| Leeds Vs Fulham | 0 – 0 | 0 – 1 | 2 – 3 | 4 – 5 | 12 – 9 | 55% – 45% | 0 – 0 |
| Fulham Vs Leeds | 3 – 1 | 0 – 0 | 1 – 4 | 7 – 3 | 9 – 13 | 52% – 48% | 2 – 1 |
| Leeds Vs Fulham | 2 – 1 | 1 – 0 | 4 – 2 | 6 – 4 | 11 – 10 | 60% – 40% | 1 – 1 |
| Fulham Vs Leeds | 2 – 2 | 0 – 0 | 3 – 1 | 5 – 7 | 8 – 12 | 48% – 52% | 2 – 2 |
H2H Detailed Analysis
In the last five head-to-head clashes between Fulham and Leeds United, the spoils are even with two wins apiece and one draw, producing 11 goals at an average of 2.2 per game, often featuring end-to-end action and set-piece drama. Leeds holds a slight edge in possession (average 53%) and corners (25 to 22), as demonstrated in their 2-1 home win on September 2023, where 60% ball control, six corners, and one assist (Rutter to Summerville) overcame a Fulham red, tilting xG 1.7-1.1. Fulham’s home resilience shines in the 3-1 victory on March 2022, dominating seven corners and two assists amid balanced possession, exploiting Leeds’ high line for Mitrović’s brace.
Farke’s return to Craven Cottage adds intrigue, mirroring Bielsa-era chaos in the 2-2 thriller (five corners each, two assists per side). Key moments include Pereira’s free-kick equalizer and Aaronson’s disallowed goal controversy. Factors like Leeds’ promotion momentum (unbeaten in last three vs London clubs) and Fulham’s injury-weakened midfield (Palhinha out) could sway dynamics, with Leeds’ 1.2 average assists in wins fueling transitions—trends point to another competitive encounter, favoring the visitors’ energy for a predicted upset.
Predicted Lineups
Fulham Predicted Lineup
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Players: Leno (GK); Castagne (RB), Andersen (CB), Bassey (CB), Robinson (LB); Reed (DM), Pereira (DM); Willian (RW), Cairney (AM), Iwobi (LW); Jiménez (ST).
Leeds United Predicted Lineup
- Formation: 4-3-3
- Players: Meslier (GK); Gray (RB), Rodon (CB), Cooper (CB), Firpo (LB); Ampadu (CM), Gruev (CM), Rutter (CM); Summerville (RW), Piroe (ST), Gnonto (LW).
