Leeds United welcome West Ham to Elland Road as both teams continue their scrap for Premier League survival.
Following Leicester’s loss to Fulham on Tuesday evening, victory would see Leeds climb to 13th in the table.
West Ham meanwhile will avoid slipping into the relegation zone with a win, although a point could be enough if results elsewhere swing in their favour.
Team News
Patrick Bamford is a doubt for Leeds with an on-going groin injury and faces a late fitness test, although he won’t be risked if he isn’t fully match-fit.
New signing, Max Wober is ineligible to make his debut but will be available for Leeds’ FA Cup trip to Cardiff on Sunday.
Luis Sinisterra (foot), Archie Gray (toe) and Stuart Dallas (thigh) are still sidelined.
West Ham could be without Michail Antonio due to illness but the forward could face a late fitness test.
Nayef Aguerd (fitness) is another doubt but Maxwel Cornet (knock) and Kurt Zouma (knee) both remain absent.
Stat Attack
- Leeds have won just one of their last four league meetings against West Ham (W1, L3).
- West Ham have won three of their last five top-flight visits to Elland Road (W3, L2).
- Out of just two penalties awarded in 24 Premier League meetings, Leeds converted their only penalty whilst West Ham missed their sole spot-kick.
- Leeds are looking to keep consecutive clean sheets for the first time since April 2022.
- David Moyes’ Hammers have claimed just one point from their last six league matches away from home (D1, L5).
Prediction
Having endured a physical contest against Manchester City last Wednesday (28 December), Leeds did incredibly well to snatch a goalless draw at Newcastle less than 72 hours later – albeit with excellent saves from Illan Meslier amidst limited attacking quality and little energetic play.
West Ham meanwhile were wasteful against Brentford with poor end product to their strong attacking intensity, whilst poor marking of their two conceded goals proved costly so I do hope that there is a reaction here.
Leeds though should be back to their best after a 96-hour plus gap from their draw at Newcastle, so I do foresee the hosts really attacking this game, whereas West Ham will need to defend well and take their chances if they want a result in this tough looking contest.
Two points also separate both teams in their battle to avoid relegation so this game could be crucial for both teams, although I am going for a home win if Leeds can hit the ground running and keep the Hammers on the back foot.
Prediction: Leeds 2-1 West Ham
Result: Leeds 2-2 West Ham
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