Leeds vs Fulham Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Saturday, 17 January

Leeds host Fulham at Elland Road this Saturday, 17 January, in an exciting Premier League clash. With both teams aiming to secure crucial points, this match promises to be a significant encounter in the league standings. Leeds, playing on home turf, will look to leverage their familiarity with Elland Road to gain an advantage over Fulham. Meanwhile, Fulham will be eager to challenge Leeds and improve their position in the Premier League.

The Premier League is renowned for its competitive nature, and this Leeds vs Fulham matchup is no exception. Both teams have shown flashes of brilliance this season, making this game a potentially thrilling contest. With Leeds aiming to capitalise on their home advantage and Fulham seeking to upset the hosts, fans can expect a tightly contested match. As we delve into the prediction, match preview, and betting tips, it’s clear that this fixture could have significant implications for both teams’ campaigns.

Leeds vs Fulham Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Both teams to score in the 1st half: yes	5

With Leeds and Fulham both demonstrating a knack for scoring and conceding goals, our recommended betting tip is Both Teams to Score (BTTS) in the first half. Given Leeds’ average of 1.7 goals conceded per match and their strong home form, along with Fulham’s recent away success, this looks like a solid bet.

• Leeds have conceded 1.7 goals on average in 21 matches this season, indicating a leaky defence.
• Leeds are unbeaten in 4 consecutive home matches, showing they can compete strongly at home.
• Fulham have earned 10 of their 11 away points in the last 4 games, proving their capability to score on the road.

Betting Odds

Leeds step onto the Elland Road pitch as favourites with odds of 2.23, but Fulham’s odds of 3.32 suggest they could spring a surprise. A draw, priced at 3.25, is also a tempting option given the competitive nature of these Premier League encounters.

Betting Tip	Odds
Leeds to win	2.23
Draw	3.25
Fulham to win	3.32

For those looking to place a wager, the match odds indicate potential value in backing both teams to score, considering their attacking setups. Keep an eye on the over 2.5 goals market as well, which could offer some interesting returns.

Leeds Analysis & Past Performance

Leeds have shown mixed performances in recent matches, displaying both resilience and inconsistency. Over the last five games, they’ve recorded one win, one loss, and three draws, highlighting a need for greater stability. Their recent FA Cup victory against Derby (3-1) showcased their attacking capabilities, but their defensive vulnerabilities were exposed in the 4-3 loss to Newcastle.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Derby	Leeds	1 – 3 (Win)	FA Cup	11 Jan 2026
Newcastle	Leeds	4 – 3 (Loss)	Premier League	7 Jan 2026
Leeds	Manchester United	1 – 1 (Draw)	Premier League	4 Jan 2026
Liverpool	Leeds	0 – 0 (Draw)	Premier League	1 Jan 2026
Sunderland	Leeds	1 – 1 (Draw)	Premier League	28 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

• WLDDD

Leeds’ attacking statistics are promising, with an average of 1.80 goals scored per game in their last five fixtures, totalling 9 goals. However, defensively, they’ve conceded an average of 1.40 goals per match, indicating a need for improved organisation at the back. They have managed just 1 clean sheet, reflecting potential weaknesses in defence. Notably, their home form shows a win ratio of 0.40, with 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss in their last five home games, suggesting a slight edge when playing at Elland Road.

Leeds Suspensions & Injuries

Leeds approach the match against Fulham with a couple of notable absences due to injury. Daniel James’s hamstring issue is a significant blow, as his pace and creativity on the wing have been crucial to Leeds’ attacking play. His absence is expected to be covered by James Justin, who will need to step up in providing width and crossing from the right flank. Jayden Bogle’s calf injury also poses a challenge, potentially affecting Leeds’ defensive depth.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Daniel James	Hamstring Injury	Late January 2026
Jayden Bogle	Calf Injury	Doubtful

The tactical impact of these injuries could see Leeds relying more heavily on their central midfield, with players like Anton Stach and Ethan Ampadu expected to maintain control and distribution from the middle of the park. The absence of key wide players might also force a shift towards a narrower attacking formation, emphasising quick interchanges and penetration through the centre.

From a betting perspective, these absences might slightly tilt the odds against Leeds, as the lack of depth on the wings could limit their attacking options. However, with a solid core and a strong home record at Elland Road, they remain competitive in this fixture.

Leeds Key Players

Dominic Calvert-Lewin stands out as Leeds’ top scorer this season with 9 goals, underlining his importance in the attacking third. His physical presence and clinical finishing make him a constant threat to any defence. Calvert-Lewin’s ability to hold up play and link with the midfield will be crucial in breaking down Fulham’s defensive lines. Alongside him, Brenden Aaronson’s agility and creativity offer Leeds a dynamic edge in the forward line, potentially unlocking defences with his dribbling and vision.

In midfield, Anton Stach and Ethan Ampadu are pivotal for Leeds’ tactical setup. Stach’s box-to-box capabilities, combined with Ampadu’s defensive acumen, provide a balanced midfield duo capable of both disrupting Fulham’s attacks and initiating counter-attacks. At the back, Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk form a formidable partnership, with Rodon’s aerial prowess and Struijk’s composure being key to Leeds’ defensive solidity.

Expected lineup for Leeds:

• Goalkeeper: Lucas Perri
• Defenders: Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol, Pascal Struijk
• Midfielders: James Justin, Anton Stach, Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, Gabriel Gudmundsson
• Forwards: Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Brenden Aaronson

Leeds Tactics and Formation

Leeds Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-5-2
• Key Forward: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
• Midfield Pivot: Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev
• Defensive Strength: Struggled with clean sheets, only achieving one in their last five matches.
• Notable Strategy: Focus on wing-backs and high pressing.

Leeds United, under Daniel Farke, are expected to line up in a 3-5-2 formation, offering balance between defence and attack. The central defence, led by Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol, and Pascal Struijk, provides a solid base. However, the team has struggled defensively, managing only one clean sheet in their last five outings.

In midfield, Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev are pivotal, tasked with breaking up opposition play and distributing the ball effectively. Gabriel Gudmundsson and James Justin as wing-backs provide width and support in both defensive and attacking phases, crucial for stretching opposition defences.

Offensively, the partnership of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Brenden Aaronson is key. Calvert-Lewin, Leeds’ top scorer, offers a potent threat with his aerial ability and finishing prowess, while Aaronson’s creativity and movement are vital in linking play. The tactical emphasis on high pressing aims to disrupt Fulham’s build-up and create scoring opportunities.

Fulham Analysis & Past Performance

Fulham’s recent form has been impressive, remaining unbeaten in their last five matches with three wins and two draws. Their victories include a notable win against Chelsea (2-1) at home and a solid 3-1 performance against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Fulham	Middlesbrough	3 – 1 (Win)	FA Cup	10 Jan 2026
Fulham	Chelsea	2 – 1 (Win)	Premier League	7 Jan 2026
Fulham	Liverpool	2 – 2 (Draw)	Premier League	4 Jan 2026
Crystal Palace	Fulham	1 – 1 (Draw)	Premier League	1 Jan 2026
West Ham	Fulham	0 – 1 (Win)	Premier League	27 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
Fulham have displayed offensive prowess, averaging 1.80 goals per game over their last five matches, while defensively conceding an average of 1.00 goal per match. They have managed to keep one clean sheet in this period, with a clean sheet ratio of 0.20, indicating some room for improvement defensively.

Fulham’s away form has also been relatively strong, winning 60% of their last five away fixtures. This includes a hard-fought win at West Ham (1-0). In terms of overall team dynamics, Harry Wilson stands out as a key player, being the team’s top scorer with seven goals this season.

Currently sitting 9th in the Premier League table with 31 points, Fulham’s balanced attack and resilience make them a competitive side. However, maintaining defensive consistency will be crucial as they look to climb higher in the standings.

• WWDDW

Fulham Suspensions & Injuries

Fulham face some challenges with key players missing due to injury. Rodrigo Muniz’s absence with a hamstring injury, sidelining him until early February 2026, could affect their attacking options. His pace and finishing ability have been missed, and with Joshua King also doubtful with a knee injury, Fulham’s forward line may lack depth. Kenny Tete’s knock adds to the defensive worries, potentially impacting the team’s ability to maintain width and solidity on the right flank.

Marco Silva will likely rely on the available starting lineup to fill these gaps. Raul Jimenez’s presence up front is crucial, with Emile Smith Rowe and Harry Wilson expected to support him in attack. The midfield, led by Tom Cairney and Sander Berge, will need to maintain control and provide creative outlets to compensate for the missing forwards.

Defensively, Timothy Castagne might be asked to cover more ground, especially if Kenny Tete remains unavailable. This could lead to a shift in Fulham’s tactical approach, possibly adopting a more conservative style to ensure stability at the back, with the midfield dropping deeper to shield the defence.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Rodrigo Muniz	Hamstring Injury	Early February 2026
Kenny Tete	Knock	Doubtful
Joshua King	Knee Injury	Doubtful

Fulham Key Players

Fulham’s attacking threat is spearheaded by their top scorer, Harry Wilson, who has netted 7 goals this season. Wilson’s ability to cut in from the right flank and exploit defensive gaps will be crucial against Leeds. His partnership with Raul Jimenez, leading the forward line, provides a blend of creativity and finishing that could prove decisive. Jimenez’s physicality and aerial ability make him a constant threat in the box, particularly from set pieces.

Expected lineup for Fulham

• Goalkeeper: Bernd Leno
• Defence: Joachim Andersen, Jorge Cuenca, Issa Diop
• Midfield: Antonee Robinson, Timothy Castagne, Sander Berge, Tom Cairney, Harry Wilson, Emile Smith Rowe
• Forward: Raul Jimenez

In midfield, Tom Cairney’s playmaking abilities will be pivotal in controlling the tempo and distributing the ball effectively. Sander Berge adds a robust defensive presence, breaking up opposition plays and providing stability. Defensively, Joachim Andersen anchors the backline with his leadership and composure, vital for organising the defence. His partnership with Issa Diop and Jorge Cuenca will be tasked with nullifying Leeds’ attacking threats. Together, these players form the backbone of Fulham’s tactical approach, focusing on quick transitions and solid defensive organisation.

Fulham Tactics and Formation

Fulham Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-2-1
• Key Forward: Raul Jimenez
• Midfield Pivot: Sander Berge and Tom Cairney
• Defensive Strength: Three central defenders provide stability
• Notable Strategy: Utilises width and counterattacks effectively.

Marco Silva has opted for a 3-4-2-1 formation, emphasising a robust defensive setup with Joachim Andersen, Jorge Cuenca, and Issa Diop forming a solid backline. This trio aims to provide both aerial dominance and ground coverage, crucial in thwarting Leeds’ attacking threats.

In midfield, Sander Berge and Tom Cairney are pivotal, tasked with breaking up opposition play and initiating counterattacks. Their ability to transition the ball quickly to the flanks is vital, where wing-backs Antonee Robinson and Timothy Castagne offer width and support both offensively and defensively.

Offensively, Raul Jimenez spearheads the attack, supported by creative forces Harry Wilson and Emile Smith Rowe. Wilson’s form, as the team’s top scorer, is instrumental in Fulham’s attacking strategy, particularly in exploiting spaces behind the opposing defence. Despite only one clean sheet in recent matches, Fulham’s adaptability and counterattacking prowess have been key in their recent unbeaten run.

Leeds vs Fulham Head-to-Head Record

In the head-to-head record between Leeds and Fulham, Fulham hold the upper hand with 10 wins compared to Leeds’ 7, alongside 7 draws. The last time these two met, Fulham secured a narrow 1-0 victory at home in the Premier League. This suggests Fulham have been slightly more successful in recent encounters.

The last Premier League meeting at Elland Road saw Fulham edge out Leeds 3-2, highlighting their ability to perform away from home. Leeds will be eager to reverse this trend and capitalise on their home advantage this time around.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Fulham	Leeds United	1 – 0	Premier League	2025-09-13
Fulham	Leeds United	2 – 1	Premier League	2023-04-22
Fulham	Leeds United	2 – 0	FA Cup	2023-02-28
Leeds United	Fulham	2 – 3	Premier League	2022-10-23
Fulham	Leeds United	0 – 0 (Penalty shoot-out: 5 – 6)	EFL Cup	2021-09-21