Leeds United XI: Farke Names Team vs Fulham at Elland Road

Key Points

• Leeds United face Fulham in Premier League action at Elland Road on 17 January 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm.
• Manager Daniel Farke has made several changes to the starting line-up, bringing back some players into the matchday squad.
• Karl Darlow starts in goal, with a defensive line of Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk, James Justin, and Gabi Gudmundsson.
• Midfield is led by captain Ethan Ampadu, alongside Ilia Gruev and Brenden Aaronson.
• Up front, Noah Okafor supports Dominic Calvert-Lewin in attack.
• Substitutes include new signing Facundo Buonanotte, goalkeeper Lucas Perri, Willy Gnonto, Ao Tanaka, Sam Byram, Sebastian Bornauw, Sean Longstaff, Lukas Nmecha, and Joel Piroe.
• Fans unable to attend can follow the match live on LUTV or via the online blog on the official Leeds United website.
• The announcement was made directly from Elland Road ahead of the afternoon fixture.

Elland Road, Leeds United (Leeds United Official Site) 17 January 2026 – Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has named his starting XI to face Fulham in a crucial Premier League encounter at Elland Road this afternoon. The line-up features Karl Darlow in goal, a reshaped defence, and key returns in midfield and attack as the Whites aim to secure vital points on home soil. Kick-off is set for 3pm, with several changes reflecting Farke’s tactical approach for the clash.

What Changes Did Daniel Farke Make to the Line-Up?

Daniel Farke opted for a number of alterations to the team sheet, as detailed in the official announcement from the Leeds United website. Karl Darlow takes the goalkeeper position, backed by a five-man defence comprising Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk, James Justin, and Gabi Gudmundsson. This selection underscores Farke’s preference for solidity at the back against Fulham’s attacking threats.

In midfield, captain Ethan Ampadu anchors the engine room alongside Ilia Gruev and Brenden Aaronson, providing a blend of leadership, tenacity, and creativity. Up top, Noah Okafor partners Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with the duo tasked with breaking down Fulham’s rearguard. As reported directly by the Leeds United official matchday coverage, these changes follow a pattern of rotation seen in recent fixtures, with Farke emphasising adaptability.

The bench offers depth and flexibility, featuring the club’s newest addition Facundo Buonanotte, who could make an impactful debut if called upon. Other substitutes include goalkeeper Lucas Perri, Willy Gnonto, Ao Tanaka, Sam Byram, Sebastian Bornauw, Sean Longstaff, Lukas Nmecha, and Joel Piroe, providing options across positions.

Who Starts in Goal and Defence for Leeds United?

Karl Darlow earns the start between the posts, a decision highlighted in the official team news release from Leeds United’s matchday section. His selection ahead of other options signals confidence in his shot-stopping ability for this home fixture. The defensive line-up of Jayden Bogle at right-back, central pairing Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk, James Justin on the left, and Gabi Gudmundsson adds further protection.

This backline has been pivotal in recent outings, with Rodon and Struijk forming a robust partnership at centre-back. Bogle and Justin bring pace and crossing prowess from the flanks, while Gudmundsson’s versatility bolsters the unit. The Leeds United site notes that these players were confirmed in the XI announced at Elland Road, reflecting pre-match preparations.

Which Players Feature in Midfield and Attack?

Captain Ethan Ampadu leads the midfield trio, joined by Ilia Gruev and Brenden Aaronson, as per the detailed team news on the official Leeds United platform. Ampadu’s role as skipper underscores his importance in dictating tempo and breaking up play. Gruev offers defensive cover, allowing Aaronson to roam and contribute offensively.

Noah Okafor supports Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the forward line, a partnership aimed at exploiting Fulham’s defence. Calvert-Lewin, known for his aerial presence, pairs with Okafor’s speed and directness. The official announcement from the Leeds United news category confirms this attacking setup, with Farke trusting these players to deliver goals.

Who Makes the Substitutes Bench?

The substitutes bench is stacked with quality, headlined by Facundo Buonanotte, the newest addition to the squad, as listed in the team news from Leeds United’s official site. Goalkeeper Lucas Perri provides cover in net, while outfield options include Willy Gnonto, Ao Tanaka, Sam Byram, Sebastian Bornauw, Sean Longstaff, Lukas Nmecha, and Joel Piroe.

This selection allows Farke tactical flexibility, with Gnonto’s pace, Piroe’s finishing, and Longstaff’s midfield nous among the potential game-changers. The full bench was revealed alongside the starting XI at Elland Road, ensuring readiness for any in-game adjustments.

Why Is This Match Significant for Leeds United?

Leeds United return to Premier League action hosting Fulham, a fixture laden with points implications in the relegation battle. The official preview on the Leeds United website positions this as a key home game, with Farke making changes to freshen up the squad. Elland Road’s atmosphere is expected to play a major role, as noted in prior matchday content.

Farke’s strategy of rotation and returns highlights the depth built over the season. The team news announcement emphasises the clash’s importance, with live coverage options underscoring fan engagement. Neutral observers note Fulham’s form as a stern test, but Leeds’ home record offers optimism.

How Can Fans Follow the Game?

For those not at Elland Road, the Leeds United official site directs supporters to LUTV for live audio commentary or the online blog for real-time updates. Kick-off at 3pm ensures a traditional Saturday afternoon slot, with the matchday category providing all pre- and post-game insights.

The platform’s instruction to “listen live on LUTV or follow the online blog here” ensures accessibility. This setup mirrors previous coverage, such as the linked update from Rob Etherington stating “the players are up for it,” linking to broader matchday narratives.

What Context Surrounds Farke’s Team Selection?

Daniel Farke’s changes come amid a demanding schedule, with the Leeds United site detailing the returns to the matchday squad. Players like Buonanotte’s inclusion signals ongoing squad evolution, while familiar names like Ampadu and Rodon provide continuity. The announcement at Elland Road captures the pre-match buzz.

Farke’s tenure has seen tactical evolution, with this XI balancing defence and attack. The full team news, as published on 17 January 2026, reflects meticulous planning. No external media quotes are cited beyond the official source, maintaining focus on the primary announcement.