LUKE AYLING NEWS

Leader in multiple defensive stats Ayling crossed once inaccurately, created a chance, blocked two shots, made two interceptions, four tackles (winning all four) and two clearances during Monday's 0-0 draw with Crys...

Impact Ayling helped Leeds keep a clean sheet as a member of the team's back four on Monday. The fullback finished with team-high totals in blocks, interceptions and tackles in the draw.

APRIL 26, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Leeds come from behind to beat 10-man Wolves late in EPL

Leeds has fought back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at 10-man Wolverhampton with a last-minute winner by Luke Ayling in one of the English Premier League games of the season

MARCH 18, 2022 • Associated Press

Nets late game winner Ayling scored a goal while taking three shots (two on goal), crossing four times inaccurately and creating a chance during Friday's 3-2 win over Wolverhampton.

Impact Ayling found the back of the net in the 91st minute scoring the game winning goal for Leeds. The goal was the second of the season for the defender as he finished with the second highest amount of shots and crosses on the team in the win.

MARCH 18, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Makes two blocks in loss Ayling made two blocks and won two-of-two tackles during Thursday's 3-0 loss to Aston Villa.

Impact Ayling continues to be busy but starting every week for one of the worst defenses in EPL history is not a great selling point. He'll next face Norwich City, which have scored the fewest goals this season.

MARCH 12, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Leader with four clearances Ayling took two off target shots, made a tackle and four clearances during Saturday's 1-0 loss to Leicester City.

Impact Ayling was a part of the Leeds back line that conceded just one goal during Saturday's loss. The defender made just one tackle, but his four clearances led Leeds in the loss.

MARCH 5, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Sends in five crosses Ayling took an off target shot, crossed five times inaccurately and made three tackles (winning one) during Saturday's 4-0 loss to Tottenham.

Impact Ayling was a part of the Leeds back line that allowed four goals on Saturday. The fullback finished with the second highest amount of crosses on the team while leading Leeds with three tackles in the loss.

FEBRUARY 26, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Leader with nine clearances Ayling crossed once inaccurately, made an interception, nine tackles (winning two) and a clearance during Saturday's 3-0 loss to Everton.

Impact Ayling was a part of the Leeds back line that conceded three goals on Saturday. The defender made just one interception and one clearance, but his nine tackles led Leeds in the loss.

FEBRUARY 12, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Logs four interceptions in 3-3 draw Ayling had one shot (off target), two tackles (one won), four interceptions and three dispossessions in Wednesday's 3-3 draw to Aston Villa.

Impact It was a rough day at the office for Ayling in this one after allowing three here and offering little production to compensate for that. The versatile defender has tallied two assists over his previous seven matches but Leeds have been porous in the back with 23 goals allowed over that span.

FEBRUARY 11, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Defends well in loss Ayling made two blocks and three clearances in Saturday's 1-0 defeat against Newcastle United. He also created a chance and won two of four tackles in the match.

Impact Ayling was solid defensively throughout Saturday's game, but he couldn't do anything about Jonjo Shelvey's free kick goal that gave Newcastle all three points. It won't get any easier after the international break against Aston Villa, which are rolling under Steven Gerrard and have scored 28 goals in 21 matches this season.

JANUARY 23, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Harrison's hat trick gives Leeds 3-2 win at West Ham in EPL

Jack Harrison scored a hat trick as Leeds overcame a long list of absentees to beat West Ham 3-2 in the Premier League

JANUARY 16, 2022 • Associated Press

Assists with lone chance created Ayling had an assist with his lone chance created while taking two off target shots, making an interception, four tackles (winning three) and a clearance during Sunday's 3-2 win ov...

Impact Ayling set up Jack Harrison and Leeds' second goal in the 37th minute. The assist was the second of the season for the defender while his four tackles were the second most on the team in the win.

JANUARY 16, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Blocks three shots in 4-1 defeat Ayling had three blocked shots, one dribble and one tackle won in Saturday's 4-1 loss to Arsenal.

Impact Ayling has been a decent producer since his return from an injury racking up one assist on two chances created along with three shots, five tackles, six interceptions, nine blocked shots and 10 clearances in just four outings. Leeds however have allowed whopping 16 goals in that span and the defender is a risk in most fantasy formats.

DECEMBER 19, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Leader in blocks, chances created Ayling created a chance, blocked four shots, made an interception, a tackle and a clearance during Tuesday's 7-0 loss to Manchester City.

Impact Ayling was a part of the Leeds back four that conceded seven times to City on Tuesday. The defender finished with team-high totals in blocks and chances created in the loss.

DECEMBER 15, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Assists in return from injury Ayling provided one assist on one chance created during Sunday's two-all draw with Brentford.

Impact Ayling made his return to starting XI after working his way back from a knee injury and marked it with a rare assist, his first in the Premier League. Ayling is unlikely to continue this offensive production, and is a lack luster fantasy option in matches where he lines up at center back.

DECEMBER 5, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Starting against Brentford Ayling (knee) is in the starting XI for Sunday's match against Brentford.

Impact Ayling gets the immediate start Sunday despite only playing 45 minutes for the U23s earlier in the week. Leeds don't usually bring players back from injury too soon, so it looks like he's fully fit and good to go, meaning he should have his usual fantasy value in a favorable spot against Brentford.

DECEMBER 5, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Should be option against Brentford Ayling (knee) is expected to be an option for Sunday's match against Brentford, according to manager Marcelo Bielsa.

Impact Ayling only played the first half in Monday's match with the U23s, so it's hard to see him starting with the senior team less than a week later. Either way, he's edging closer to fitness and will be ready to start in the next week or two.

DECEMBER 3, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Plays first half with U23s Ayling (knee) started and played the first 45 minutes of Monday's match with the U23s.

Impact Ayling only made it one half Monday, while teammate Patrick Bamford went the full 90. Given this performance, it's hard to see Ayling starting this weekend, but anything can happen in the coming days. At the least, he should be on the bench Sunday with a start a long shot.

NOVEMBER 29, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Set to play with youth setup Ayling (knee) is expected to play for the U23 side on Monday.

Impact While Ayling won't be available against Brighton on Saturday, his inclusion with the youth team is certainly a step in the right direction. With the quick turnaround, the defender is unlikely to be ready to play versus Crystal Palace on Tuesday either but could be an option any time after that.

NOVEMBER 25, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Out at least one more match Ayling (knee) will miss Sunday's trip to Tottenham, according to manager Marcelo Bielsa.

Impact The hope was for Ayling to recover over the break and be an option again Sunday, but that's not the case. He still doesn't have a timeline to return and until he's ready, Leeds will continue to have an issue replacing him on their back line.

NOVEMBER 19, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Hopeful to return after break Ayling (knee) will miss Sunday's game against Leicester and is hopeful to return after the international break, according to manager Marcelo Bielsa.

Impact Ayling is following his initial timeline and has been running on the pitch for a couple weeks, so there's a chance he'll be ready after the break. Leeds have struggled with injuries and Ayling would be a major boost to the side following international play.

NOVEMBER 5, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Out two more weeks Ayling (knee) will miss the next two matches, according to manager Marcelo Bielsa.

Impact This isn't too surprising for Ayling, who has already been out a month after getting minor knee surgery. He'll hope to return before the next international break, but that's far from a given, meaning Jamie Shackleton could be set for more starts on the back line.

OCTOBER 21, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Pictured on pitch Ayling was pictured running on the pitch Wednesday after getting minor surgery on his knee last month.

Impact Ayling probably has another week or so before he can train and then he'll likely need a full week of training before he's fit and ready to start. He's been out about a month with the injury and Leeds have struggled to find a correct formation and starting XI in his absence.

OCTOBER 20, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Needs minor surgery on knee Ayling needs "simple surgical intervention" on his knee and will be out an unknown amount of time, according to manager Marcelo Bielsa.

Impact This is a tough update on Ayling, who looks set to miss at least the next month. The defender started all 38 matches last season and in his absence against West Ham, Leeds used both Charlie Cresswell and Jamie Shackleton. The hope is that Ayling will be able to return in a month or so, as this is just a minor surgery.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Out against West Ham Ayling (knee) is not in the squad for Saturday's match against West Ham.

Impact Ayling couldn't recover over the week and he misses his first match in more than a season Saturday. Leeds are forced to change things up, as they're starting Charlie Cresswell at center-back and Jamie Shackleton at right-back, though with any Marcelo Bielsa formation, that'll likely change throughout the match.

SEPTEMBER 25, 2021 • ROTOWIRE