Here are the latest Leeds United morning headlines on Saturday, 22 October 2022.
Lescott prediction
Former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott has backed Leeds United to 'rise to the occasion' in Sunday's huge clash with Fulham. The Whites are winless in seven heading into the match with Jesse Marsch under increasing pressure following Thursday's defeat at Leicester City.
With Liverpool and Tottenham away to come before the World Cup break in November, many see this as a must-win game for Leeds to arrest their slide in form. Writing in his predictions for LiveScore, Lescott believes Leeds will secure a narrow win at Elland Road.
He said: “Leeds will always be hopeful of three points at home against any side outside the big six due to the fantastic atmosphere at Elland Road. Fulham will offer up opportunities for the hosts but also have a real goal threat themselves, so I’m struggling to call it.
READ MORE: Leeds United best and worst case scenarios this weekend as prospect of bottom three looms large
“I think Jesse Marsch’s men may rise to the occasion and grind a narrow victory out. Prediction: Leeds 1-0 Fulham."
Predicted XI
Changes Jesse Marsch made on Thursday night show how unpredictable the Leeds United head coach can be. It makes anticipating Sunday’s clash with Fulham that little harder, but the insipidity of midweek compared to last weekend has to mean a reversion to something like the Arsenal line-up.
Captain Liam Cooper shored things up in the backline on Thursday at Leicester City and having had his minutes managed, he is set to return to the starting line-up. Diego Llorente did not do enough at the Foxes to transform perceptions of his ability in the middle of defence.
If Pascal Struijk is fit, as Marsch hopes, then the Dutch defender needs to be restored in Junior Firpo’s place. The former has barely put a foot wrong this season, while the latter again showed the lack of defensive nous needed to protect the United backline.
Read more here.
Evatt on Leeds youngsters
Bolton Wanderers boss Ian Evatt has singled out Leeds United duo Sonny Perkins and Darko Gyabi for praise after revealing his future plans to explore the loan market. The Trotters won 3-0 against Leeds U21s in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday courtesy of goals from Jón Daði Böðvarsson, Amadou Bakayoko and Kieran Sadlier.
Nonetheless, Evatt was impressed by a number of the Whites' young prospects and has been keeping in contact with Leeds captain Liam Cooper on the latest developments at Thorp Arch. Evatt told MEN: "Going back to some conversations, speaking to Liam, he made me aware of a few to keep an eye out for – nothing to do with the game really but more to do with maybe loan options in the future – to see who is doing well for them.
“ Sonny [Perkins] was one of those guys who Liam has been very impressed with and I thought last night, he was very impressive. Some of his control, ability to bring other people into play and movement was excellent. I thought there were a number of players like that."
Read more here.
READ NEXT:
- Have your say on Jesse Marsch's Leeds United future ahead of key Fulham clash
- Every word from Jesse Marsch's pre-Fulham press conference - injuries, regrouping, tension, fans
- Jesse Marsch lifts the lid on dressing room impact of angry Leeds United supporters' chants
- Leeds United board makes its stance on Jesse Marsch sacking clear after desperate run of results
- Select your Leeds United XI for Fulham clash as Jesse Marsch faces huge selection calls
