Fulham manager Marco Silva has only ever managed at Elland Road once before – but he’s fully aware of the task that faces his side at Leeds United this weekend.
Having won 3-2 in Yorkshire back in October 2022, Silva is one from one when it comes to his record at Elland Road, but it’s a ground that Leeds haven’t lost at since being narrowly defeated by Aston Villa in November.
“It is never easy to play there,” said Silva. “They have been very strong at home, achieving results away from home as well. They have the quality, the organisation, the manager, and the individual players.
“To play at Elland Road, we all know what it means. The home support is unbelievable and they make it hard for the opposition.
“We played against them earlier this season (1-0 win at Craven Cottage) and it was a difficult game for us.
“It was a moment in the season where they changed their formation as well, and they started to get more solid and get results. I don’t just go in that direction, because even before that I was feeling that the performances were there, and when you perform at a certain level, you’re going to get results.”
Leeds’ recent form has seen them steer eight points clear of the drop zone. It’s been a run which has been inspired by Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has nine goal contributions in his last eight starts.
Silva will know all about the threat the striker poses. Calvert-Lewin played 54 times under Silva at Everton – with Carlo Ancelotti the only Manager he’s played for more in his career.
“It’s not the first time he’s performed at this level,” said Silva.
“When you talk about performing, he’s a striker who can score in many different ways. When you look through his career, when he’s playing, the numbers are there. Game by game, he’s getting better and showing he’s a proven Premier League striker.”