The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Friday 12th September) Opportunity to break London hoodoo
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Good Morning. It's Friday 12th September, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Opportunity to break London hoodoo
Leeds United travel to Fulham this weekend with a clear desire to arrest a troubling pattern of results in the capital. Having made a steady start to their Premier League campaign, the Whites now face a stern test of character against a Fulham side that has historically matched up well against them on home soil. Leeds’ struggles in London have become a recurring theme: they have lost their last eight top flight league matches in the city, shipping 26 goals in the process.
Their last triumph in the capital came under Jesse Marsch on the final day of the 2021-22 season at Brentford, a victory that not only secured safety but offered a brief sense of optimism. To find a worse run of defeats in London, one has to look back nearly a century, when between 1925 and 1930 the club endured 12 consecutive top-flight losses there.
Fulham, on the other hand, have been a difficult opponent for Leeds at Craven Cottage since the Premier League era began. The Cottagers have lost just once in five home meetings with the Yorkshire side, that defeat coming in the 2020-21 season under Scott Parker. This backdrop suggests Marco Silva’s men will feel confident of extending the trend.
Yet there is an air of resilience about Leeds when at their best. Their spirited display against Newcastle a fortnight ago hinted at a team ready to fight for every point, even in challenging circumstances. If Daniel Farke’s men can summon the same intensity and defensive discipline, this clash could turn into a tightly contested battle rather than the one-sided affair that recent history might predict. For Leeds, it represents not only an opportunity to claim valuable points but also a chance to put an end to their London hoodoo.
Dropping Longstaff could be a mistake
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke faces a welcome selection dilemma ahead of this weekend’s clash with Fulham, after Sean Longstaff’s outstanding display against his former club Newcastle United. The 27-year-old midfielder, signed for £12 million in the summer, was instrumental in Leeds draw, dictating the tempo in midfield, pressing aggressively, and linking play with a maturity that underlined why Farke was so keen to bring him to Elland Road. Awarded Man of the Match for his efforts, Longstaff’s all-action performance has quickly endeared him to the Leeds faithful and given his manager plenty to ponder when naming his starting XI.
Ethan Ampadu’s return from injury adds another layer of complexity to the midfield puzzle. The Welsh international has been a key figure for Leeds, offering defensive solidity and composure in possession. While Ampadu seems a natural fit to reclaim his holding role, Longstaff’s dynamism in a more advanced position could provide the perfect balance. The picture is further complicated by Ao Tanaka’s potential availability; the Japanese midfielder has shown flashes of technical quality but has yet to fully convince the Elland Road faithful this term, prompting doubts about his readiness for the top flight.
Dropping Longstaff after such an influential performance would be a tough call, particularly given the momentum he could bring into a crucial encounter with Fulham. On current form, it would not be a surprise if the summer signing retains his place, with Ampadu slotting back in alongside him to give Leeds both the steel and creativity needed to push for another positive result.