Verdict: West Ham to qualify
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Luckster
Two camps who will be looking to punch their respective FA Cup semi-final tickets on Sunday afternoon, West Ham will welcome Leeds to the London Stadium.
West Ham
Starting with the hosts, heading into March’s international break with a downbeat 2-0 loss away at Aston Villa, West Ham will be desperately searching for an immediate response here. Although Nuno Espirito Santo’s side might have shown some real improvements over the past couple of months, the Hammers still remain in the drop zone and are almost universally regarded as the standout relegation candidate this year. However, 90 minutes away from booking a trip to Wembley this weekend, the former Nottingham Forest boss will certainly be excited to make a return to east London here. Last seen in front of their own supporters snatching a gritty 1-1 stalemate against Manchester City, West Ham have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous eight straight appearances at the London Stadium – a run that stems back to December 27th.
West Ham Team News
While attacking talisman Crysencio Summerville might have been dealing with a calf issue prior to March’s international break, the former Leeds star is expected to make a timely return here. Likewise, French defender Jean-Clair Todibo is expected to make a full return at the back.
With Santo expected to make a handful of alterations this weekend, January recruit and ex-Fulham star Adama Traore could be handed a start on Sunday afternoon. Alphonse Areola is expected to start between the sticks in east London.
Leeds United
As for the visitors, while Leeds might mark their return from March’s International break holding a four-point buffer over the drop zone, Daniel Farke’s side are seeking some recent stability. Heading into the fortnight interval with consecutive 0-0 stalemates against Brentford and Crystal Palace, the Lilywhites have failed to win any of their previous six consecutive Premier League appearances. Despite extending on their FA Cup adventure last month as they secured a routine 3-0 win against Norwich, Leeds have struggled to find any kind of clinical edge in the final third. In fact, Farke’s camp have failed to register a single strike against Premier League opposition in over 400 minutes of action. It should also be noted, Leeds have not recorded a sole top-flight win away from Elland Road since way back in September.
Leeds United Team News
In what could be a major blow for Leeds this weekend, leading marksman Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a doubt after sustaining a reported hamstring issue. However, recently returning from his own respective muscle issue, Noah Okafor will feature this weekend.
Likewise, serving a one-match suspension against Brentford prior to March’s international break, Swedish international Gabriel Gudmundsson should be handed a full recall. Featuring for Wales over the past fortnight, Joe Rodon will start at the heart of Leeds’ defence.
West Ham vs Leeds United Key Factors to Consider
- When West Ham last welcomed Leeds to the London Stadium back in May 2023, the Hammers secured a thumping 3-1 win.
- West Ham have lost just one of their previous eight matchups at the London Stadium across all competitions.
- Sunday’s guests have failed to find the net in all of their last four straight meetings against Premier League opposition.
- Leeds have not recorded a Premier League win away from Elland Road since back in September.
- Six of Leeds’ last seven matchups across all competitions have finished with under 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
Excited to make a return to the London Stadium this weekend, West Ham should be smelling the chance to punch their ticket to Wembley on Sunday afternoon. Suffering just a single defeat from any of their previous eight showdowns at the London Stadium across all competitions, Santo’s side will meet a Leeds squad who have struggled to find any kind of recent stability. With the Lilywhites drawing a blank in all of their last four straight battles against Premier League opposition, we are backing West Ham to extend on their FA Cup adventure.
Verdict: West Ham to qualify
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Luckster
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