Leeds United

Adwaidh Rajan
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

It was a late Gabriel Gudmundsson own goal that inflicted a 1-0 defeat on Leeds when they met Fulham back in September.

In recent weeks, Leeds have looked a far cry from the side that left Craven Cottage empty-handed.

Daniel Farke's decision to shift to a back three in late November has transformed their season and had them go on a seven-game unbeaten run in the Premier League.

That momentum was briefly halted at St James' Park last week in a 4-3 defeat by Newcastle.

So the onus was firmly on Leeds to bounce back against an in-form Fulham - and bounce back they did.

The transformed version of Leeds was again on show at Elland Road on Saturday and just like in the reverse fixture, it was again decided by a last-gasp winner - this time from Lukas Nmecha in favour of Farke's side.

After an underwhelming first half, Leeds were on top of Fulham after the break, restricting the visitors to only three shots while attempting nine.

Though they remain eight points from the drop zone after West Ham's shock win against Tottenham, Leeds have now scored in nine league home fixtures in a row and are unbeaten in five matches at Elland Road.

And there were more positives to take from this victory for Farke, who witnessed his side keep a clean sheet on home soil for the first time since their first two home games of the season.

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke, speaking to Sky Sports: "The best win of the season, we played an in-form Fulham side. Important three points and a fantastic win. We were relentless until the end. For me the best win of the season so far. We didn't allow them to show their quality in offence. We kept going, we were relentless and we had belief, It was an important three points for us. We wanted to go for this win and the lads have delivered in a top class way.

On Lukas Nmecha: "He proved me right and showed his quality in the finishing. For me one of the best German strikers we have and he has shown this with a crucial goal for us which wins us all three points."

On the team being confident: "Other results are not important for us, we know exactly what we have to do. We need to win points to come to a point tally where we are safe. We have edged closer today with three crucial points. A reason to be happy today and let's celebrate today."

You can listen to more from Farke here

Did you know?

• Leeds United are now unbeaten across their last five Premier League home matches (W3 D2), with today the first time they've kept a clean sheet in the league at Elland Road since their opening two home games of the season.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Leeds United's performance

What did you make of Fulham's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Leeds manager Daniel Farke has made three changes to the side that suffered their first defeat in eight games at Newcastle last week.

Goalkeeper Lucas Perri drop to bench while Jaka Bijol and Anton Stach miss out from the matchday squad but new loan signing Facundo Buonanotte is on the bench.

Leeds XI: Darlow, Bogle, Gudmundsson, Ampadu, Rodon, Struijk, Justin, Gruev, Okafor, Aaronson, Calvert-Lewin.

Subs: Perri, Longstaff, Piroe, Nmecha, Tanaka, Bornauw, Byram, Gnonto, Buonanotte.

Fulham boss Marco Silva makes two changes to the side that defeated Chelsea 2-1 last week.

Tom Cairney and Issa Diop drop out of the starting line-up as they are replaced by Sasa Lukic and Ryan Sessegnon.

Fulham XI: Leno, Andersen. Jimenez, Wilson, Cuenca, Berge, Lukic, Castagne, Sessegnon, Smith Rowe, Robinson.

Subs: Lecomte, Reed, Cairney, Traore, Kusi-Asare, Kevin, King, Diop, Amissah.

There are seven games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Man Utd v Man City (12:30)

• Chelsea v Brentford - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Leeds v Fulham

• Liverpool v Burnley

• Sunderland v Crystal Palace

• Tottenham v West Ham - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Nottingham Forest v Arsenal (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times 15:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Chelsea v Brentford" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Nottingham Forest v Arsenal", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

Leeds lost out to a bizarre stoppage-time own goal at Craven Cottage in September, but they look a different team now - they have come on so much.

Mind you, so have Fulham. The only time Harry Wilson has failed to score recently is when I put him in my fantasy team, and while I thought they would struggle when some of their players went to the Africa Cup of Nations, the opposite has happened - they have been excellent.

I'd usually back Leeds to win at home, but Fulham have proved they can nick a goal and a result on the road so I am going to sit on the fence here.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say

Chris Adams
BBC Sport journalist

Leeds United will feel buoyed by their recent form when they host Fulham at Elland Road on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

The Whites have lost just once in their past nine games in all competitions, a run that has coincided with something of a renaissance for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has seemingly shaken the hamstring injuries that caused to him to miss 35 matches in the five seasons prior to this one.

The 11-times capped England striker has scored eight goals in his past nine league matches for Daniel Farke's side - a stark turnaround from one in his opening 10 - leading to talk of a potential international recall as Thomas Tuchel weighs up his options before the World Cup.

The uptick in his big-chance conversion rate is eye-catching.

If Calvert-Lewin scores again in the Premier League, his next goal would see him reach double figures in a top-flight campaign for only the third time, after netting 16 and 13 for Everton in 2020-21 and 2019-20 respectively.

Leeds face stiff opposition in Marco Silva's ninth-placed Fulham, who are unbeaten in their past six league games - a run surpassed only by Liverpool and Manchester City (both on nine).

Wales international Harry Wilson - who came close to joining Leeds in the summer - is shining this season. Since a hat-trick for his country against North Macedonia on 18 November, the midfielder had scored six times in 12 club games.

His late winner against Chelsea took his tally of Premier League goal involvements this season to 11 (seven goals and four assists), the 28-year-old's best return in a top-flight campaign.

Fulham are unbeaten in their past 12 matches against promoted sides (won seven, drawn five). They are also finding the net freely, having scored in each of their past 12 games in all competitions.

Leeds United host in-form Fulham on Saturday, and Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Simon Rix preview the visit of the Cottagers as well as discuss transfer news in the latest episode of Don't Go To Bed Just Yet.

You can listen to the full episode here

Explore all Leeds United content on BBC Sounds

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Leeds have enquired about buying Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen.

The Elland Road side have been quoted £40m for the Norway international but are yet to make a firm bid.

BBC Sport has been told the club's profit and sustainability considerations, and with other clubs interested, may make any deal complicated.

Leeds, 16th in the Premier League, have already signed Brighton attacker Facundo Buonanotte on loan this week.

West Ham have previously asked about Strand Larsen but backed off because of Wolves' asking price, while Nottingham Forest have him on their list of targets.

Strand Larsen has scored six goals this season, including a hat-trick in Saturday's 6-1 FA Cup win over Shrewsbury.

But he has netted just once in the Premier League - a penalty against Burnley in October - leading to some fans turning on the 26-year-old.

He scored 14 goals last season after joining on loan from Celta Vigo before making the move permanent for £23m in the summer.

Newcastle had bids rejected for him in the summer and he signed a new five-year deal in September but Wolves are open to letting him leave, with Wolves bottom of the Premier League and expected to be relegated.

Rob Edwards is looking to reshape his squad but Joao Gomes could still stay at Molineux this month, despite interest from Atletico Madrid and Napoli.

The midfielder is prepared to wait until the summer, with Serie A side Napoli believed to be frontrunners, although Wolves still remain open to letting the Brazil international leave if there is an acceptable offer.

Image source, Getty Images

Harry Gray hopes his loan spell at Rotherham will help him to achieve his goal of playing regularly for Leeds United.

On a deal that runs until the end of the season, Gray has joined a Millers side that is five points from safety in League One.

He has scored 11 games in 13 matches for the Whites' under-21 team this season, but hopes that getting goals in a senior team will help him eventually become a first-team regular at Leeds.

"I'm a Leeds fan that happens to be player," Gray told BBC Radio Sheffield. "Before I was in and around the club, I'd go to every game. It's what I've wanted to do - to play for Leeds, and this is going to help me to get there."

With historic Leeds title and cup winner Eddie Gray for a great-uncle and Premier League midfielder Archie Gray for a brother, Harry is not short of people to go for football advice - but he also values the relationship he has with former Leeds striker Patrick Bamford, who is now playing down at Sheffield United.

"Pat Bamford is probably my favourite person I've worked with," Gray said. "He's a good friend, I speak to him a lot. He helps me with a lot of stuff.

"I've asked him about coming here, I've asked him about where I should go. I speak to him about anything really."

Listen to Gray's interview in full on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on Brighton midfielder Facundo Buonanotte, who has joined Leeds on loan for the remainder of the season after cutting short his spell at Chelsea.

Here are some of your comments:

Robert: Very good player on his day. Hopefully he settles in quickly and reproduces his best form for us. This should add some extra goals and creativity.

Lucas: This is a great signing for us, especially considering the frustrating Chelsea snub and the lacklustre deadline day in the summer. It's not a signing I was expecting, and I'm not sure how he will fit into the system just yet. At his best however, this is a top Premier League player of a high pedigree.

Dan: Really delighted with this signing. Thought it was crazy when he opted for Chelsea, but the boy's seen sense. He's an exciting player and could be just what we need to pull further away from relegation places!

Beezle: I thought we needed a proven goalscorer to feed off Dominic Calvert-Lewin? Hardly proven with his record to date. Does this spell the end for Joel Piroe?

Thomas: Leeds needed a player in the middle of the park that can open up defences. The players that are in the squad, most of them are tenacious ball winners so I think he'll add a different kind of dimension to the team. It's potentially a good signing.

Andy: Decent player by all accounts who needs some encouragement and affirmation. Daniel Farke is becoming a past master at getting the best out of these kinds of players. I think he's a useful addition. I'm sure he'll start on the subs bench initially but he'll get some chances to play no doubt.

Image source, Getty Images

Leeds have completed the signing of forward Facundo Buonanotte from Brighton on loan.

The 21-year-old had spent the first half of the season at fellow Premier League side Chelsea, before returning to his parent club and joining the Whites until the end of the 2025-26 campaign.

Buonanotte came to England at the age of 18 from Argentinian club Rosario Central and went on to make 50 appearances for the Seagulls.

He has since had loan spells with Leicester City, where he featured 35 times across all competitions and scored six goals, as well as with Chelsea, with whom he played eight times, scoring once and providing two assists.

Brighton sporting director, Jason Ayto said, "Facundo wants to play and he demonstrated in his loan to Leicester City last season the impact he is able to have in the Premier League when he does.

"This is a great move for all parties and we looking forward to seeing how he continues his development with Leeds United.

"We wish him well for the remainder of the season and look forward to welcoming him back in the summer."

What do you make of the move? Is what the Whites need? Or should they be focusing elsewhere?

Get in touch with your views here

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Fulham at Elland Road (kick-off 15:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Farke confirmed the team news "looks much better" and all of Sebastiaan Bornauw, Joe Rodon, Gabriel Gudmundsson and Jayden Bogle are "back in contention for the game".

• On a potential deal for Brighton forward Facundo Buonanotte, who is currently on loan at Chelsea: "Speculation and rumours, I never speak about this. I can tell you in general about our thoughts and what we want to do, but also looking at whether there's a possibility to strengthen our squad in January. In terms of incomings and outgoings, I can't confirm anything apart from what we have from yesterday - the loan of Harry Gray."

• The Leeds boss added he was "delighted" with Gray's loan move to Rotherham and at 17, it "makes sense" for him to go. He continued this is the "perfect chance to mature and get physically ready" to play first-team football for the side, despite being a different path to what his brother Archie took.

• Asked about potential targets and the type of player they would look for in January, he responded: "We spoke in the summer very openly about what we want to do. We wanted to do more in the offense, a creative number 10 winger position, and then on the last day we missed out. Nevertheless we have developed really well as a group and we're on a good path."

• He added: "We have a good, capable group that we trust. We could do something if we think OK, this player would improve our squad, say a character who fits into this group. We won't risk anything that will risk our spirit."

• However, the German insisted he is "very confident we won't have a major turnaround" in this window, but there is "always space for one, perhaps two, three positions".

• Despite the seven-game unbeaten run coming to an end, Farke said it is "always great to be a Leeds fan, even when things are tough," adding: We have worked so hard to be back in the top flight. Working hard to establish the club for good, not just one good season. We want to make sure this club plays in the longer-term where it belongs - the Premier League."

• On the goalkeeping situation: "There is so much talking about goalkeepers but I'm not tempted to speak too much about it. In the past 12 months, it feels like we've had 10 press conferences just about the goalkeeper. I'm a bit tired of it... You have to deliver in all positions, if you don't deliver then you will be criticised."

Hear more from Farke on BBC Sounds

Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

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Leeds United are set to take over Chelsea's loan move for Brighton midfielder Facundo Buonanotte.

The 21-year-old has made only one Premier League appearance for Chelsea, in September, after the Blues hijacked Leeds' initial attempt to sign the Argentine on loan on deadline day earlier that month.

Buonanotte has scored once and provided two assists in eight appearances in all competitions for Chelsea.

He last appeared in the 5-1 FA Cup third round win over Charlton on Saturday.

Chelsea and Brighton both agreed that the switch would be beneficial to the player's ongoing development.

Leeds are expecting him in the city to complete the move on Thursday.

They are likely to offer him a more prominent role as they look to add further attacking options under manager Daniel Farke.

Image source, Reuters

Whether you're based in the heart of Leeds or listening from the other side of the world, United fans are always 'Marching On Together'.

In the latest episode of BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast, the team heard from Rachel, based in Minnesota - and she let them know about how the Whites had lifted her during a turbulent time living in the United States.

You can contact the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet team as well - [email protected] is the email address - so don't hesitate to get involved.

Listen to the full episode here

Explore all Leeds United content on BBC Sounds

Adam Pope
BBC Radio Leeds reporter

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Leeds United striker Harry Gray, 17, is set for a loan move to League One strugglers Rotherham United.

Gray, who has scored 11 goals in 14 appearances for United's youth teams this season, is the younger brother of Archie, now at Tottenham.

Gray made his senior debut for Leeds as a late substitute in the 6-0 victory at home to Stoke City in the Championship last season. He will receive valuable game time at the New York Stadium as part of his development.

Listen to West Yorkshire Sport Daily, weeknights at 18:00, and subscribe to BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast on BBC Sounds

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Leeds United winger Jack Harrison is understood to be close to joining Italian club Fiorentina on loan with a possible option to buy, reports BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope., external

Harrison, 29, has made 13 appearances in all competitions for Leeds this season, 10 of them as a substitute.

He spent the previous two seasons on loan at Everton.

Fiorentina are currently third from bottom of Serie A and three points from safety.

Adonis Storr
Fan writer

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In the Championship last season, Leeds reached a club record number of points, but it is easy to forget that for much of the campaign the worrying weak link in the team was the goalkeeper.

Illan Meslier made baffling errors throughout 2024-25, but Daniel Farke had never changed his first-choice keeper mid-season in the Championship for either Leeds or Norwich.

But when the Frenchman's form forced Farke's hand, Karl Darlow came into the side and was an instant solution. He caught crosses with ease, his distribution was good and he saved the shots he was expected to.

In the summer, though, it was clear Leeds needed to find a new keeper, so when they splashed a reported £15.6m on 6ft 5in Brazilian Lucas Perri, it seemed they had their man.

But the season has ticked over halfway and Leeds fans might be forgiven for a little deja vu because Perri has the lowest save percentage in the Premier League (56.7%) and the second-lowest distribution rate (53.3%).

Farke hasn't been able to protect the goalkeeper from recent criticism and in the pre-Derby news conference said: "Lucas had situations he could have saved and decision-making wasn't great."

Leeds have put themselves in a fantastic position to avoid relegation, but if they had a more reliable pair of hands in goal they would be virtually safe already.

It is challenging for any new player to the Premier League to cope with the level, but Leeds fans waited for Meslier to improve for years to no avail.

Leeds' recent unbeaten run was fantastic, but a lot of draws could have been wins and, should their fortunes turn, Farke may be forced to change keeper again.

Find more from Adonis Storr at The Roaring Peacock, external

Image source, Getty Images

On the latest episode of BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet, the team debated whether Joel Piroe has got a role to play in the current Whites side.

Adam Pope said the forward has "showed how valuable he can be" but believes the top six teams in the Championship will be interested in the 26-year-old.

Piroe, who was the Championship's top scorer last season with 19 goals, has not scored or provided an assist in 12 competitive games this season.

"You're only selling Joel Piroe if you're buying someone to come in, and we know there is nothing imminent, as Daniel [Farke] told us on Sunday," said Pope.

Piroe registered the most shots for Leeds in the FA Cup win over Derby, but still was unable to find his first goal of the season.

However, Pope said "Piroe has got a role" and added: "There is value there and there could easily be a scenario where he is needed by the end of the season in a more regular format."

Listen to the full episode here

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