Saturday sees the first game between Leeds United and Fulham since 2004, when the Whites were relegated from the Premier League.
The tie at Elland Road may be Fulham’s return to the ground after a ten year absence, but it also features the return of former Leeds skipper Ross McCormack.
Fulham did a considerable amount of business with Leeds in the summer, signing a 40 goal strike partnership for a combined total of around £12 million, with McCormack moving for £11 million.
While Matt Smith floundered after joining the London side, ultimately moving back to League One on loan, McCormack is slowly asserting himself since the departure of Felix Magath.
However, things are still not hunky dory for Kit Symons’ side.
While they sit only a point behind Leeds in the table, in 18th, they suffered a humiliating 5-0 loss against Watford last week at Craven Cottage.
Leeds showed their defensive problems last week, losing 4-1 to Ipswich Town.
McCormack has not yet hit his true heights, but Leeds fans know there are reasons to fear him against their questionable defence.
Here are some of the reasons why:
1. He’s still an exceptional goalscorer, when given a chance – he scored 29 goals last season for the Elland Road side.
Ross McCormack v Doncaster #LUFC https://t.co/g1eQbK74wr
— WALMOT3 (@WALMOT3) July 1, 2014
2. McCormack is at his most dangerous when he feels he has been wronged. Huddersfield felt his ire last year when their fans claimed he didn’t want to play – the outcome was a hat trick in a 5-1 win. He consistently scored in high pressure, high tempered derby matches last season too.
Video: Ross McCormack goal v Doncaster (14/12/2013) #LUFC https://t.co/XStkYQ7ePL — LUFCDATA (@LUFCDATA) December 16, 2013
Ross McCormack v Barnsley #LUFC https://t.co/zicYm7igmB
— WALMOT3 (@WALMOT3) May 20, 2014
Ross McCormack v Sheffield Wednesday #LUFC https://t.co/G30OjHNUbj — WALMOT3 (@WALMOT3) May 20, 2014
Leeds fans will do well not to give him a reason to play at his peak.
3. He’s provided seven assists this season. A striker like Hugo Rodallega, with eight goals this campaign, could benefit from his service against the Whites.
Hugo Rodallega https://t.co/dkWK2qhBRh #sufc #ffc
— Blades Mad (@Blades_Mad) January 26, 2014
Errr…or not.
