Chris Sutton ‘very confident’ on what the score will be when Leeds United face Fulham

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Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton has delivered his verdict on Leeds United’s hopes of claiming their first away points of the season as they travel to Craven Cottage to face Fulham.

Daniel Farke could welcome back two key midfield players for the trip to London, with Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka both returning to training.

However, an injury to goalkeeper Lucas Perri and doubts over the fitness of Joel Piroe and Lukas Nmecha mean he has several difficult selection decisions to make.

Leeds fell to a 5-0 defeat against Arsenal in their first away game this season, and Paul Merson has predicted that they will suffer another defeat on the road this weekend.

Now, Sutton has echoed Merson’s prediction, as Farke faces another tough weekend.

Chris Sutton predicts Leeds United vs Fulham result

Speaking to BBC Sport, former Blackburn Rovers and Chelsea forward Sutton delivered his verdict on Leeds’ hopes of adding to the four points they have already won this season.

According to Sutton, the depth in Fulham’s squad, which includes Leeds’ deadline day target, Harry Wilson, will be too much for the Whites, and he backed the home side to claim a 2-0 win.

“Leeds might fancy their chances at Craven Cottage, but you only have to look at their respective squads to see the difference in quality between the two sides, player for player, including on the bench,” Sutton said.

“[Fulham were] able to bring on Adama Traore, Emile Smith-Rowe, Raul Jimenez and Harry Wilson as they chased the game [against Chelsea].

“Leeds just don’t have that kind of depth, and they were well beaten on their last trip to London, a 5-0 defeat at Arsenal a couple of weeks ago. This will be closer, but with the same end result.”

Only two starters from Leeds’ last win over Fulham are likely to play this weekend

Leeds have a poor recent track record in the capital, as evidenced by their chastening defeat against Arsenal, and they have struggled in their recent games against Fulham, according to 11v11.

The side from West London have won their last three consecutive games against the Whites, all three of which came in the 2022/23 season, as they beat Leeds twice in the league and once in the FA Cup.

Leeds’ last win over Fulham at Craven Cottage came in March 2021, as goals from Patrick Bamford and Raphinha gave Marcelo Bielsa and his side a 2-1 win.

Of the team that started that day, only Pascal Struijk and Jack Harrison are likely to feature this weekend. Illan Meslier could lift that total to three if he is selected ahead of Karl Darlow in place of Perri.