Leeds vs West Ham Preview

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Leeds United and West Ham United meet in a crucial Friday night Premier League clash at Elland Road, with both sides desperate for points to climb away from the relegation zone. Neither team has found consistency this season, and the pressure is mounting on their respective managers to deliver a turning point before the campaign slips further away.

Leeds have endured a frustrating start to life back in the Premier League, winning just two of their opening eight matches (D2, L4). Their latest outing — a 2-0 defeat to fellow promoted side Burnley — typified their season so far: plenty of possession, but little end product. That result leaves them one point worse off than at the same stage of their ill-fated 2022/23 campaign, which ended in relegation.

Now just three points clear of the drop zone, Leeds must rediscover their home strength if they are to turn their season around. Elland Road had been a fortress until recently, with the Whites going 23 league games unbeaten at home (W18, D5) before Tottenham ended that run on matchday seven. Daniel Farke will be hoping his players can channel that previous resilience in front of their supporters as they look to steady the ship.

West Ham arrive in Yorkshire sitting 19th in the table and also struggling to find any rhythm. Their 2-0 loss to Brentford on Monday night extended their winless league run to five games (D1, L4) and left new manager Nuno Espírito Santo still searching for his first victory in charge. The Hammers looked blunt in attack at the Gtech Community Stadium, failing to register a single shot on target in the second half.

However, there is one small positive for the Londoners: all four of their Premier League points this season have come away from home (W1, D1, L2). With a four-point gap separating them from Leeds, a win here would significantly boost confidence and potentially lift them out of the relegation zone.

Historia del cara a cara

West Ham have enjoyed the upper hand in recent meetings between these two clubs, losing only one of the last nine encounters (W5, D3, L1). The Hammers have also found the net freely in this fixture, scoring at least twice in each of the last seven meetings this decade (W5, D1, L1).

Their record at Elland Road is similarly encouraging. West Ham are unbeaten in their last four visits to Leeds (W2, D2), a streak that will give Nuno Espírito Santo’s side belief that they can take something from this game despite their poor form.

Estadísticas y rachas

• In three of Leeds’ last four Premier League matches, both teams have scored before half-time.
• All four of Leeds’ home league games this season have been level at the break.
• West Ham have scored a league-low one first-half goal so far this season.
• There have been over ten corners in three of West Ham’s four away matches this term.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players

For Leeds, striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be eager to rediscover his scoring touch. The England international has only one league goal this season, but he boasts an impressive record against West Ham, scoring six times in 13 appearances against them — including opening the scoring in three of those four goal-scoring outings.

His physical presence and aerial strength could prove vital against a West Ham defence that has struggled to deal with crosses.

Para los visitantes, Tomáš Souček remains one of the few bright spots. The Czech midfielder’s only goal of this campaign came away from home, and interestingly, each of his last four Premier League strikes — including three from last season — have also been scored on the road.

Souček’s ability to arrive late in the box and cause problems from set-pieces could be crucial in what is likely to be a tight and cagey contest.

In terms of team news, Leeds remain without Noah Okafor, who missed the Burnley defeat with a muscle injury, while Wilfried Gnonto is doubtful after undergoing hernia surgery during the international break. West Ham will once again be without striker Niclas Füllkrug, who remains sidelined through injury.

Resumen táctico

Leeds are expected to dominate possession, as they have in most games this season, but their inability to convert control into goals remains a major issue. Daniel Farke’s side will likely stick with a 4-2-3-1 formation, using overlapping full-backs to create width and pressing high up the pitch. However, they’ll need to be wary of overcommitting, as West Ham possess pace on the counter through Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s West Ham will look to frustrate their hosts with a compact 4-3-3 setup that prioritises defensive shape and quick transitions. Expect the visitors to sit deep early on, absorbing pressure before trying to exploit Leeds’ defensive gaps on the break. Set-pieces could also play a key role, with James Ward-Prowse’s delivery likely to test the Leeds backline.

Análisis de apuestas

With both sides short on form and confidence, this fixture could prove to be a tense, low-scoring affair. Leeds have drawn all four of their home games at half-time this season, while West Ham have struggled to score early, making a draw at the break an appealing option.

Alternatively, punters might look towards the under 2.5 goals market, given the lack of cutting edge in both attacks and the high stakes involved. Neither side will want to lose, and caution could dominate proceedings, particularly in the first half.

Prediction: Leeds United 1–1 West Ham United

This has all the hallmarks of a nervy battle between two struggling sides. Leeds’ home advantage might help them edge possession and chances, but West Ham’s resilience on the road could earn them a point in what promises to be a closely fought relegation dogfight at Elland Road.

Para más información sobre este juego, también puedes visitar:
Leeds United v West Ham United | 2025/2026 | Premier League | Overview