Leeds United make the trip to Fulham on Friday looking to extend the gap to the bottom three with a win.
The landscape has changed dramatically since Leeds’ first home game of the season when they overcame the Cottagers 4-3.
From then, Fulham have managed to claw their way back from the abyss and are looking a good shout for survival based on recent results, while Leeds are still well clear of trouble.
The upcoming clash at Craven Cottage could change the dynamic of the battle for survival somewhat, whoever triumphs.
Leeds know that a win could take them out of reach of the relegation zone heading into April while a defeat puts the pressure on somewhat.
It’s set to be an interesting clash of styles on Friday night with Scott Parker finding results to go with his slick passing style, while Marcelo Bielsa’s all-out attacking style has come in for significant praise as well as some criticism this season.
We saw a gripping encounter at Elland Road, but Parker is expected a fairly one-sided spread of possession that he can take advantage of:
“Leeds are a unique side in the way they play. They commit a lot of bodies.” He told Fulham’s official website.
“That can cause stress but there’s a flip side where you can get to them through counters.”
Parker has experimented with a few different approaches against Bielsa in the three games prior tomorrow and he’s never got the better of the games, even if they won back in December 2019.
Their defensive record of late lends itself to playing in this manner, and it served them very well in their trip to Anfield so you can’t blame Parker.
However, even with Liverpool’s individual quality, we’re playing with far more threat at the moment and sitting deep is asking for trouble in any game when it’s not your first port of call.
It’ll be an interesting game regardless of how they play because they have the quality to hurt us no matter how they set up.