Thursday Fulham Stuff - 25/06/20...

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Atletico Madrid eyeing summer swoop for Fulham midfielder

Atletico Madrid are interested in Fulham midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, as per a report by Sport Witness.

The Cameroon international has impressed on loan at Villarreal this season and has caught the attention of their fellow La Liga side.

Anguissa, who is 24 years old, is also being linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer.

The midfielder was signed by Fulham in 2018 from Marseille after their promotion to the Premier League and he made 25 appearances for them in his first season as they were relegated to the Championship.

The London side shipped him out on loan last summer to Spain and it appears he could have now played his last game for them.

Fulham could seek to offload him on a permanent basis over the coming months, especially if they fail to gain promotion to the top flight this term, to help reduce costs and get him off the wage bill.

Anguissa still has three years left on his contract at Craven Cottage and is valued at around £18 million, as per Transfermarkt.

He started his career in Cameroon at Coton Sport before moving to France as a youngster in 2013 to initially join Stade de Reims. He then switched to Marseille after a year and went onto make 106 appearances for their senior side.

Anguissa's time at Fulham hasn't worked out for him but he has put himself in the shop window after impressing on loan at Villarreal, with European giants Atletico Madrid eyeing a summer swoop. 



https://the72.co.uk/175059/atletico-madrid-eyeing-summer-swoop-for-fulham-midfielder/

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Phil Hay: EFL 'likely' to ban Leeds from doing one thing in huge clash v Fulham

Leeds United are busy making Elland Road look and sound as close to normal as possible ahead of the mega clash against Fulham on Saturday, but the EFL are ready to play their role as party-poopers.

It's the biggest game of the season so far and it's playing out behind closed doors at Elland Road.

Leeds have been working on two fronts over the past few weeks in a bid to get some sort of home advantage.

They've sold 15,000 crowdies – cardboard cutouts of fans – that will give supporters some sort of presence at Elland Road.

They've also been trialling piping in audio of familiar Leeds chants and songs at Elland Road. However, according to The Athletic journalist Phil Hay, the EFL is likely to ban any noises from the stands.

"Technology and innovation gave Leeds United the scope to fill half of Elland Road this weekend," said Hay.

"The crowd they are manufacturing is inanimate and silent but selling 15,000 'crowdies' — the cardboard cut-outs which have entered football parlance — was an alternative to banks of bland empty seats.

"The club went further with their experiments last week by trialling the use of crowd noise in the stadium while Marcelo Bielsa put his squad through a training game.

"The EFL is likely to ban audio from the stands across the Championship to prevent any dispute about unfair distractions but Leeds, like every club, are doing what they can to make their ground feel like home and the new normal less peculiar."

Don't you know pump it up

Booo. That's all we can say to this news.

We heard the noises being piped into Elland Road last week and after our initial shock it got the hairs on our arms raised.

Home advantage has been significantly reduced across the board since games have been played in empty stadiums.

Prediction website FiveThirtyEight has reduced home advantage by 60% when it's looking at games in the Championship.

We've been using the option on Sky Sports to watch games with crowd noises and find it much better than the eery sound of players' shouts rattling around empty stadiums.

We can see why the EFL might want to get involved but surely there should be an allowance to have audio approved and piped in during games?

Why shouldn't Leeds have a slight home advantage in a game they're playing at home? Fulham did in the reverse fixture at Craven Cottage.

The crowdies should help to fire the Leeds players up – selling 15,000 is hugely impressive – and hopefully, the familiarity of Elland Road will do the rest.

But it's a big thanks for nothing to the EFL.



https://motleedsnews.com/matchday/phil-hay-efl-likely-to-ban-leeds-from-doing-one-thing-in-huge-clash-v-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham midfielder emerges as surprise transfer target for European giant

Spanish giants Atletico Madrid have reportedly registered their interest in signing Fulham midfielder André-Frank Zambo Anguissa according to La Razon.

The Cameroon international signed for the Cottagers back in 2018, but has spent the 2019/20 season on loan with Villarreal, where he has seemingly made a good impression.

The midfielder has made 32 appearances in all competitions this term, and has chipped in with one goal and one assist as they edge closer to a conclusion on this year's campaign.

He made 25 appearances for Fulham in his first season with the club, but was unable to stop them from being relegated back into the Championship after a brief spell back in the top-flight.

The Cottagers are well in contention to challenge for promotion into the Premier League this season as well, with Scott Parker's side currently sat third in the second tier standings.

However, their bid for promotion took a hit in their first game back in competitive action, as they were beaten 2-0 by promotion rivals Brentford at the weekend.

Parker will be eager to see his side respond in a positive manner to that frustrating defeat when they take on Leeds United, in a crucial 'six-pointer' at Elland Road.

The Verdict:



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-midfielder-emerges-as-surprise-transfer-target-for-european-giant/

[WhiteJC]

MOT View: If anyone is going to derail Leeds promotion bid, it's this Fulham player

Leeds United fans shudder of the thought of coming up against a team that boasts Tom Cairney in their midfield.

The 29-year-old has made 11 appearances against Leeds in his career and has not lost on any of those occasions.

But it is not as though the Scotland international has been a bystander in those matches against the Whites.

Cairney has scored four goals and supplied three assists in those 11 appearances against Leeds for both Hull and Fulham.

After losing to Cardiff on Sunday, Leeds missed out on the chance to open up the gap between themselves and third-placed Fulham to 10 points.

Scott Parker's men lost 2-0 at home to Brentford before the Yorkshire giants were beaten 2-0 in South Wales.

Both teams will be itching to return to winning ways when they come up against each other at Elland Road this weekend.

Fulham know they can move within four points of Marcelo Bielsa's side with a win in West Yorkshire and with Cairney in their side, they'll be confident they can do it.

Cairney is not only a good player against Leeds.

According to stats by WyScout, the former Hull midfielder has averaged 3.2 passes into the penalty area per 90 minutes of Championship football this term, while also boasting an 89.3 per cent pass accuracy.

WhoScored ranks Cairney as sixth in the league for passes per appearance [59.7] and joint-eighth in the Championship for short-range key passes made per appearance [1.6] out of players with more than 10 outings.

Only Harry Arter and Romaine Sawyers have a better pass accuracy than the Fulham playmaker, who could be the biggest threat towards derailing Leeds' promotion bid this weekend.

It would be panic stations if we lose to Fulham so let's hope we can finally end the Cairney curse and pick up three points against the West London side.



https://motleedsnews.com/comment/mot-view-if-anyone-is-going-to-derail-leeds-promotion-bid-its-this-fulham-player/

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Bad luck charm referee appointed for Leeds United's huge Championship clash against Fulham

Tony Harrington will be the man in the middle on Leeds' long-awaited return to Elland Road


Referee Tony Harrington during Leeds vs Bolton in February 2019

Leeds United return to Elland Road for the first time since March on Saturday in what is one of the biggest matches of the Championship run-in when they host Fulham.

Scott Parker's side travel to West Yorkshire sitting one place and seven points behind Leeds in third, in what could be a pivotal clash in terms of how the race for automatic promotion pans out.

For Leeds, the match presents an opportunity to move ten points ahead of the Cottagers with just 21 points left to be played for, while the Londoners will be hoping to close the gap to four points and give themselves a real chance of gatecrashing the top two.

While the match will be played behind closed doors, it will still be a huge occasion, with an experienced referee a must.

The EFL have confirmed their appointments for this weekend's Championship clashes and there will be a somewhat familiar face in the middle.

Tony Harrington will take charge of the match, which may be something of a bad omen for Leeds, if recent history is anything to go by.

The Cleveland referee was in charge when Leeds lost to 1-0 to Wigan at Elland Road in January and he also officiated the madcap 3-3 draw against Cardiff City at Elland Road in December, which brought about a two-month slump in results for Leeds.

Harrington was also the fourth official for Leeds' 3-2 win over Millwall earlier this year, a match plagued with controversial incidents and resulted in Leeds' director of football Victor Orta being handed a one-match stadium ban and fined after accepting an FA challenge of improper conduct following an incident during the tunnel at half-time.

Leeds' all-time record with Harrington in the middle does make encouraging reading, either.

The Whites have just three victories from the 12 games he has officiated, with four draws and five losses.

Leeds' last victory with Harrington in charge came against Bolton in February 2019, which saw Trotters boss Phil Parkinson sent off following a touchline spat.

Steven Meredith and Shaun Hudson will serve as assistant referees, with Geoff Eltringham as the fourth official for the Saturday 3pm clash.



https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/bad-luck-charm-referee-appointed-18477223

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How Leeds United can stop Fulham dangerman Aleksandar Mitrovic

The Serbian striker was on the scoresheet in the reverse fixture as Bielsa's side went down 2-1 in London.


Mitrovic had a major impact in the reverse fixture. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

While there is a seven-point gap separating the top two from the chasing pack, Leeds United know exactly how important Saturday's clash against Fulham is.

Scott Parker's men travel to Elland Road on Saturday, and at one end of the pitch, Aleksandar Mitrovic will pose a difficult test for Marcelo Bielsa's defenders.

The giant Serbian striker joined Fulham from Newcastle, and after firing them to the Premier League in 2018, he is back trying to do it once more. The 25-year-old currently has 23 goals in 35 league games, and if Leeds are to emerge victorious they must make sure Mitrovic has a quiet night.

The obvious question, however, is how do you keep the striker on the periphery of proceedings? Ask most Newcastle fans, and they will point to his temper. Mitrovic was famed for hot-headed outbursts at Newcastle and was sent off twice while at St James' Park.

The stats would suggest that passion has curbed itself at Craven Cottage, however, with the 25-year-old still yet to be dismissed for Fulham.

Where there is no debate is Mitrovic's style of play. The number nine on his shirt is a decent indication of what he is -- a classic centre forward who considers aggression and physicality as weapons to help him score goals. He grew up idolising Alan Shearer, and unsurprisingly he is a threat in the air.

Against Brentford at the weekend he had five attempts: four of which were offside. The key to stopping those chances will be two-fold. Either Leeds must stop the cross at source and limit Fulham's chance to deliver, or they must make sure (without conceding a foul) that Mitrovic is not given a free run or attempt at a header.

While an aerial threat, Mitrovic is not the quickest striker in the league. His lack of pace is a weakness, and the apparent measure to accentuate that is to play a high-line. Bielsa's side should have no issue doing this, and it will have the added benefit of pinning Fulham in their half.

Where that will be less beneficial is from goal kicks, when the defence is naturally near the half-way line. The same is true of free-kicks in the opposition half. That's where Kalvin Phillips could be a useful asset, screening in front of Mitrovic.

That way the striker has little space to manoeuvre and Fulham struggle to earn a foothold in the Leeds' half.

Overall, Saturday will pose an interesting test for Ben White and Liam Cooper. When the two sides met at Craven Cottage Mitrovic scored and had a goal ruled out for offside. If Leeds can learn from that day and manage the physical battle while their teammates restrict Fulham's crosses, then the Whites could make a giant step towards life back in the Premier League.



https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/how-leeds-united-can-stop-18476533

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'It's inevitable' – Fulham midfielder attracting transfer interest: The verdict

This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Spanish giants Atletico Madrid are reportedly interested in signing Fulham midfielder André-Frank Zambo Anguissa according to Spanish outlet, La Razón,

The Cameroon international signed for the Cottagers back in 2018 whilst they were in the Premier League, and has gone on to make 25 appearances for the club.

But Anguissa has spent this year's campaign on loan with Villarreal, and has seemingly caught the eye with some impressive showings for them to date.

The midfielder has made 32 appearances in all competitions for Villarreal, and has chipped in with one goal and one assists in his time with the club so far.

Fulham are currently challenging for promotion into the Premier League under the management of Scott Parker, and will be hoping they can put together a positive run of form at the earliest of opportunities.

But should Fulham consider cashing-in on Anguissa heading into the summer transfer window with Atletico Madrid interested in landing his signature?

We discuss....

Sam Rourke:

I think it's inevitable.

I don't see Anguissa figuring in Scott Parker's plans at Fulham next season, and can see him following Micheal-Seri out of the exit door at Craven Cottage this summer.

Anguissa only made 16 appearances for the Cottagers in the Premier League, and in truth, did not impress nor live up to the price-tag that the west London club fork out to sign him.

On the flip side, Anguissa has showcased his ability at Villareal this season and to garner interest from Atletico Madrid, he must be doing something right.

But, for me, Anguissa is just one of them players that needs to be at the right club to perform to his optimum ability, and Fulham is just not the right fit.

George Dagless:

I think they will be absolutely.

He's had a great season for Villarreal out on loan this year and he's shown why Fulham wanted to sign him in the first place.

Could he replicate that form back at Craven Cottage? I think there's an acceptance that he's going to be better off away from the club and, to be honest, looking at the sides getting linked, I think we're going to see him move.

Some big clubs are interested, though, and I would not be surprised if Fulham managed to get a fair bit of the money back that they spent on him in the first place.

It's a missed opportunity in many ways for them, but at least they can recoup things financially.

George Harbey:

They should be really tempted.

Anguissa was one of many high-profile signings Fulham made last summer, but he was hugely underwhelming along with the likes of Jean Michael Seri as well as others.

If they can get any sort of money for his services this summer, then they definitely should as they may have felt like they lost that opportunity in the summer.

If they remain in the Championship, then selling him for a fee and getting him off the wage bill could be beneficial for Scott Parker, as he looks to further strengthen his squad ahead of next season.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/its-inevitable-fulham-midfielder-attracting-transfer-interest-the-verdict/

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Noel Whelan believes this player could be key for Leeds United ahead of Fulham encounter

Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has revealed he is delighted that midfielder Pablo Hernandez is set to return to training in an interview with Football Insider.

The Spaniard was absent for Leeds' game against Cardiff City on Sunday and Whelan believes he was hugely missed as he is such a key player for the Whites with his ability to unlock the stubbornest of defences.

The Yorkshire giants had the majority of possession against the Bluebirds but failed to make it count with their final ball lacking on most occasions, but Hernandez is renowned for his creativity in the final third.

Whelan thinks that Leeds need to be more aggressive in attacking areas in the Fulham game and said: "We are hoping that Pablo is back against Fulham."

"We lacked that little bit of brilliance that is needed against teams like Cardiff. They sat very deep and you need that brilliance in games like that and he is the only player at the club that can produce that."

"Hopefully that inspiration is back on Saturday against Fulham. We definitely need to improve. We need to iron out the mistakes and get a big sharper, angrier and dangerous in front of goal."

Leeds face Fulham in what should be a pulsating encounter when second-place take on this in a game which could be pivotal as to who secures automatic promotion to the Premier League.

Fulham will be hoping to bounce back from their 2-0 defeat to promotion rivals Brentford and close the gap on Leeds.



https://the72.co.uk/175147/noel-whelan-believes-this-player-could-be-key-for-leeds-united-ahead-of-fulham-encounter/

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Fulham forward sends two-word message to Leeds defender ahead of Elland Rd showdown

Fulham forward Ivan Cavaleiro has posted a message on Barry Douglas' latest Instagram post after the Leeds United defender returned to training this week.

Douglas missed Leeds' 2-0 defeat to Cardiff on Sunday with a muscle strain [Phil Hay] but it seems that the left-back is edging closer to returning to be available for selection by Marcelo Bielsa ahead of this weekend's action.

Leeds resume their Championship restart with a challenging clash against third-placed Fulham at Elland Road and ahead of the match, Fulham's Cavaleiro has sent his former Wolves team-mate a cheeky message on Instagram.

"Nice haircut," Cavaleiro wrote in response to Douglas' picture of himself at Thorp Arch.

It is unlikely that Douglas will start against Fulham this weekend.

Even though the former Wolves left-back appears to have returned to fitness, Stuart Dallas is Marcelo Bielsa's first-choice left-back at the moment and Ezgjan Alioski might be preferred in reserve.

Bielsa does not spring many surprises with his team selections and it would be a major shock if he did start Douglas over both Dallas and Alioski.

Douglas would probably be well up for it if he did start though as he could have ended up facing off against Fulham's wide-forward Cavaleiro, who he won promotion to the Premier League alongside at Molineux.

Instead, it seems that Helder Costa – another former Wolves player – will get the chance to show up Cavaleiro and help Leeds United in their quest to win promotion back to the top-flight.



https://motleedsnews.com/news/fulham-forward-sends-two-word-message-to-leeds-defender-ahead-of-elland-rd-showdown/

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'Everyone wants to see Leeds fail' – Dallas sends out warcry ahead of Fulham game

Leeds United star Stuart Dallas said exactly the right things when he was on talkSPORT this morning.

After the Adam Forshaw interview (where he said promotion was a formality) was pretty badly received by fans, Dallas was eager not to appear too confident.

However, he said that he takes strength from the fact that "everyone wants to see Leeds fail" and that the added pressure just spurs the players on.

"At the start of the year we set out to get promoted, that's what you want to do," Dallas said. "But, we've got a lot of winners in our team. I would love to win the league, of course, but we can't look that far ahead. there are still eight games left.

"Everyone wants to see Leeds fail, that's the way it is, we know that and it comes with extra pressure. We've got to embrace it and start again on Saturday.

"I think it's great. I love it. No one likes us and we don't care. Everyone knows how big a club Leeds is. We saw it last year, the people that enjoyed us failing and that spurred us on.

"We're not overconfident, we've just got to start working hard. We can put it right this Saturday."

Dallas has been a superstar this season, with the Northern Ireland international playing at left-back, right-back and in the midfield for Marcelo Bielsa.

He's started all 38 games this season and played 90 minutes in 37 of them. It's fair to say he's one of the first names on the teamsheet – the only thing that changes is where he's playing.

It's pretty obvious when he talks about people wanting to fail that he's looking at figures like Frank Lampard and some of the regular EFL pundits on Sky.

Lampard and his Derby side celebrated so hard after beating Leeds in the play-offs that you'd have been mistaken for thinking they'd won promotion.

Instead, they lost in the play-offs and are really struggling to make it there again this season. Meanwhile, Leeds are homing in on the top-two again.

We loved what Dallas said. He said Leeds would put it right on the pitch against Fulham but he didn't fall into the same trap as Forshaw did.

Three points against Fulham, though, and even we might be tempted to use the F word about Leeds and promotion.



https://motleedsnews.com/matchday/everyone-wants-to-see-leeds-fail-dallas-sends-out-warcry-ahead-of-fulham-game/

[WhiteJC]

"The ace up Parker's sleeve" – Phil Kay identifies the Fulham player that Leeds need to stop

Leeds United have, arguably, their biggest game of the season coming up against third-placed Fulham at Elland Road on Saturday.

The Whites will play host to the Cottagers with a seven-point advantage on the visitors as Marcelo Bielsa's side are currently joint-top of the Championship standings, with West Bromwich Albion at the summit on goal difference.

The North Yorkshire outfit slipped to a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Cardiff City last Sunday in what was a big blow to them. Although they still do have their own fate in their hands.

The Athletic's Phil Hay identified one player that Leeds need to be aware of as they continue their push for promotion.

He wrote in his article, "While Leeds hold a substantial points advantage over Fulham, they are superior on almost every statistical level, too. The task for Bielsa is to make those numerical details count. The challenge for Parker is to negate Leeds' dangerous attributes and create an approach that allows Fulham to play to their own strengths.

"The ace up Parker's sleeve all season has been Mitrovic, a finisher on a plain which most others strikers in the Championship cannot touch."

It's difficult to argue against what Hay has said, due to the stunning campaign that the Serbian striker is having for Fulham.

The 25-year-old has found the net on 23 occasions from 35 starts and has a prolific attacking prowess with an average of 3.9 shots per game and 4.6 aerial duels won (as per Whoscored), which makes it clear where Mitrovic poses the most danger.

The Leeds defender will have to be in top form to keep the 6ft 2′ forward quiet. If they manage to achieve this, it will be a huge statement sent to the sides around them.



https://leeds.vitalfootball.co.uk/the-ace-up-parkers-sleeve-phil-kay-identifies-the-fulham-player-that-leeds-need-to-stop/

[WhiteJC]

Manchester City Interested In Fulham Starlet: What Would He Bring To This City Side?

For any side to remain at the top for a considerable time, the management must not only bolster the first eleven but also make an effort to locate talented youngsters with an eye on the future. Manchester City have done the same thing for some time now and recruited players who could serve the club well in the years to come.

Goal are reporting that the current Premier League Champions are tracking Fulham player Cody Drameh and a transfer is on the cards. Pep Guardiola has an eye for the youth, and Foden is a perfect example of the fact. The Spanish manager would now be willing to bring Drameh to the Etihad.

Who is Cody Drameh?

The 18-year-old player is considered as one of the most talented men coming from the Fulham ranks. The right-back is a regular in the Fulham U-23 squad where he mostly plays with his seniors. Hailed as a wonder-kid, Drameh joins a long list of talented youth players coming from the London side.

His main asset is his speed down the right-wing as he can make lung-busting runs from the flanks and join the side in the attack. In today's world, the managers demand their wing-backs to contribute heavily in the attack with Trent Alexander Arnold setting a primary example. The youngster is also of the same mould and this season he has picked up seven assists in the process.

However, his forward thrusts do not mean that he compromises in the defence as the youngster has also shown immense maturity while defending at the back. Drameh's dribbling skills are noteworthy as is his ability to make neat challenges, during which he does not shy away from using his body. The early signs are positive, and under the tutelage of Pep, he can transform himself into a world-beater.

What can his role at Manchester City?

While Kyle Walker has been a decent performer for the side at the right-back position, Cancelo's output has been somewhat questionable. The Portuguese star is also known for joining the team in the attack, but can sometimes make a few defensive errors. If City are to build a side that could challenge the best of the Europeans clubs for the coveted Champions League trophy, they need to create a squad with a proper balance.

At this moment, the Fulham man, who has signed his first professional contract with the club at the beginning of 2019-20 season, would be expected to move to a smaller club on loan and gain some vital experience. He is yet to feature for the Cottagers senior side and the transition to Manchester City would be too difficult for him to cope up, thus requiring a loan spell. However, with time, Cody Drameh could cement his place at the senior squad of the Citizens and help the club in achieving multiple accolades.



https://the4thofficial.net/2020/06/manchester-city-interested-in-fulham-starlet-what-would-he-bring-to-this-city-side/

[WhiteJC]

'That's what I'm saying' – McCoist makes Leeds prediction ahead of 'incredible' clash v Fulham

talkSPORT pundit All McCoist has tried to calm the nerves of Leeds United fans everywhere by saying they'll go on and win promotion, despite the blip against Cardiff last week.

Leeds had the chance to go 10 points clear from third with a win in their first game back but slumped to a 2-0 defeat in Wales.

The Championship top four now play each other in what's set to be a pivotal weekend.

West Brom travel to Brentford on Friday night before Leeds host Cardiff in the early kick-off at Elland Road on Saturday.

Talking on the talkSPORT Breakfast show (Thursday, 6.30am) McCoist said, "They're on the same points as West Brom, that's what I'm saying!

"How can we question Leeds when they're on the same points as West Brom?

"They didn't have a good result at Cardiff but that can happen. At the same time, the next batch of games is incredible. Leeds have Fulham, Brentford beat Fulham. It's a fantastic league. But there's a gap, seven points to Fulham, eight to Brentford.

"What do they need, two or three wins, four wins? I think they'll be all right."

No one likes us, we don't care

Cardiff? What was that? We've already forgotten about last week's game – all eyes are on the big match at Elland Road on Saturday now.

McCoist might be stretching it a bit when he says we're two or three wins away from promotion, but his outside estimate of four victories could do it – especially if one of those is against Fulham.

Stuart Dallas was on talkSPORT on Wednesday and he talked about the added pressure on Leeds and their players, with so many people wanting them to fail. He said the 'no one likes us, we don't care' syndrome spurred the Leeds players on.

McCoist makes a brilliant point here by questioning why people are talking about Leeds bottling it when they're on the same points as West Brom at the top of the Championship, with a seven-point gap back to third and just eight games left.

That's the sort of narrative that Leeds have always had to put up with and the players will block it out when they take to the pitch at Elland Road on Saturday.

No one – players, fans, manager – is under any illusion about how big the game is.



https://motleedsnews.com/matchday/incredible-ally-mccoist-delivers-leeds-united-verdict-ahead-of-massive-clash-v-fulham/