Fulham v Leeds: Cottagers to continue promotion charge

Fulham v Leeds
Tuesday 3rd April, 19:45
Live on Sky Sports

Fulham unbeaten in 17

Fulham maintained their Championship automatic promotion bid with a routine 2-0 victory at Norwich on Good Friday. Stefan Johansen opened the scoring for the Cottagers withTom Cairney doubling the advantage minutes later as Slavisa Jokanovic's men extended their unbeaten run to 17 league games.

The capital club remain seven points off second-placed Cardiff but that could have been worse after a largely uneventful first-half at Carrow Road where Fulham dominated possession but created little going forwards.

The Cottagers improved after the interval although Jokanovic suggested his side looked tired post-match and so may freshen his starting XI up for their return to London here. Tomas Kalas could return to the fold following injury and international duty at centre-back.

Leeds finally snap losing streak

Leeds ended a run of four games without a victory by beating Bolton 2-1 at Elland Road on Good Friday. Caleb Ekuban broke the deadlock after three minutes with his first Championship goal before Pablo Hernandez doubled the lead after the break with the Trotters pulling one back thereafter.

The Whites could and should have extended their lead in added time when Ekuban was denied in a one-on-one encounter, while Pontus Jansson had earlier headed against the woodwork in what was a positive performance from Paul Heckingbottom's charges.

The win marked only Leeds' second in nine attempts under Heckingbottom's watch but the former Barnsley boss was pleased with his team's display, particularly their energetic start to both halves. However, he'll have to do without Adam Forshaw and club captain Liam Cooper here.

Cottagers strongly fancied for the win

Each of the past five league meetings between the two clubs have ended in draws 4.30 and although Leeds 6.60 have survived unscathed in their past three trips to Craven Cottage (W1-D2-L0) it's difficult to make a case for the visitors here.

United have returned W2-D3-L4 under Paul Heckingbottom and have managed a paltry six points from a possible 30 against top-six sides thus far. Leeds have shipped at least two goals in six of their eight encounters with top-half clubs whilst also firing blanks in four of their past seven games as guests.

Meanwhile, Fulham 1.50 have been on fire since November's international break (W16-D5-L2), particularly on home soil. The Cottagers have W9-D1-L0 at their West London base with seven of those triumphs arriving alongside clean sheets.

However, a more appealing selection would be to back the hosts to win and Over 1.5 Goalsin the game at 4/5. Fulham have scored at least twice in each of their past eight Craven Cottage outings with only table-topping Wolves notching more Championship goals this season.

Recent results suggest goals are likely

The past five contests between the two clubs have featured fewer than three goals and a repeat has been chalked up at 2.06. But recent form and performances suggest the 1.70on Over 2.5 Goals is far more likely to cop.

Leeds have delivered profit for Over 2.5 Goals backers in nine of their past 10 outings, including all four on the road under Heckingbottom. Fulham have followed suit in 10 of their previous 16.

RECOMMENDED BETS

Back Fulham to win and Over 1.5 Goals @ 4/5 in Fulham v Leeds