Fulham vs Leeds prediction: ENGLAND: FA Cup betting tips on match 2023-02-27 19:45.
The prestigious FA Cup returns for some Fifth Round proper action, where one of two all-Premier League (PL) ties awaits when Fulham prepare to do battle against Leeds. These two sides have incredibly never faced off in the world's oldest football competition since their first league meeting in 1920, but with Fulham having won 3-2 against Leeds already this season, they may have the psychological edge as they hope to beat their visitors twice in the same season for the first time since 1959/60.
The Cottagers produced a 3-2 win over Sunderland in their FA Cup Fourth Round replay to secure their spot in the Fifth Round draw, a feat they last achieved in 2016/17. It has been more than a decade since they went one better and participated in the quarter-finals (2009/10), something Marco Silva’s men will be confident of replicating whilst currently riding a six-game unbeaten streak in all competitions (W3, D3).
Leeds will make the trip to London after snapping a four-game winless run (D1, L3) with a 1-0 win over Southampton at the weekend, getting new manager Javi Gracia’s tenure off to the perfect start with what he described as “really special” and “an important step” forward in their relegation battle. Leeds failed to find the net in all three of the losses prior to that breakthrough victory, a particular cause of concern for Garcia here as each of their last five FA Cup ties against PL opposition has ended in defeat and without a goal to their name.
The Whites haven’t been too fortunate in the FA Cup draw recently, with each of their last 11 games in the competition (excluding replays) taking place away from home. Hitting the road hasn’t proven too fruitful recently for Leeds, with their only win from their last nine competitive away matches (D3, L5) coming in their 3-1 win over Accrington Stanley in the previous round of this FA Cup.
Players to watch: Fulham’s Manor Solomon may make an impact later in this contest considering seven of his last eight competitive goals followed the half-time break. His colleagues at the back will have to keep a close eye on Leeds’ Jack Harrison, with seven of his last nine goals in all tournaments coming away from home.
Hot stat: There have been only two scoreless first-halves in Fulham’s last 26 competitive home games.