FULHAM and Leeds United perhaps won't be prioritising the FA Cup this season with both of their seasons reaching the critical stage for different reasons.
But they have a chance of a rare good run in the competition – something neither side have managed recently. Fulham last reached the quarters in 2010 and Leeds in 2003. Fulham haven't reached a final since 1975 when Bobby Moore played for them against former club West Ham and Leeds not since two years earlier when they lost to Sunderland.
However, both can take varying degrees of optimism going into this. Fulham in particular have enjoyed an outstanding season and currently sit in sixth place above the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea. A European spot is very much the aim.
And although Leeds' campaign has been for the most part miserable, they picked up an absolutely huge three points under new manager Javi Gracia against Southampton at the weekend to lift them out of the relegation zone.
Fulham have lost just two games since the World Cup break which came within a week of each other against Newcastle United and Spurs.
But the hosts have a good record at Craven Cottage, but Leeds have won just one away game in the league all season…at Liverpool.
Fulham defeated Hull City and Sunderland after a replay and Leeds beat Cardiff City after a replay and Accrington Stanley to get this far.
How the bookies view it
Fulham were always going to be favourites and they can be backed at 22/19 with SBK.
Leeds United are 12/5 underdogs with William Hill and the draw is 27/10 with UniBet.
Recent head to heads
Fulham have already defeated Leeds United this season, winning at Elland Road 3-2 in October. Curiously, this is their first ever meeting in the FA Cup.
Players to watch
Fulham are sweating on the hamstring injury to Aleksandar Mitrovic which has caused him to miss the past couple of games. They may turn to Carlos Vinicius to get them goals, but he's only netted once this season. He is 21/10 with bet365 to double his tally.
Patrick Bamford is another striker who may not be prolific, but is important for the Yorkshire side. He is 12/5 with bet365 to score anytime.
Anything else catch the eye?
Even with Mitrovic a doubt, Fulham look too strong all over the pitch for Leeds and should go through here in 90 minutes.
Fulham have an additional advantage because they don't have a game for six days after this until a Monday night derby with Brentford. Leeds have to go to Chelsea on Saturday and could be forgiven for seeing that as the more important game.
It's hard to see this being a classic – six of Fulham's last seven games have been under 2.5 goals and five of Leeds' last six league games have too.
It's surprisingly odds-against at 11/10 with Betfred for unders so go for that.
This FA Cup match between Fulham and Leeds United will be played on Feb 28, 2023 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Fulham vs Leeds United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
