Leeds United and West Ham United are set to clash under the Friday night lights in what promises to be a tense Premier League encounter, with both sides desperate to move up the table. Leeds have managed just two wins from their opening eight Premier League matches and after falling to a 2-0 defeat against fellow promoted side Burnley last weekend, Softfootball reports.
Their current points tally is one worse than it was at this stage in their ill-fated 2022/23 campaign that ended in relegation. Now sitting only three points clear of the drop zone, Daniel Farke’s side know that a victory at Elland Road could provide a much-needed spark to their season.
Home form has traditionally been Leeds’ saving grace, but even that fortress has begun to show cracks. Their 2-1 defeat to Tottenham on matchday seven ended an impressive 23-game unbeaten home run in league football. Farke will be urging his players to rediscover that fighting spirit, particularly given their attacking potential through the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Crysencio Summerville.
Leeds have shown glimpses of promise in possession, but turning that control into goals remains their Achilles heel. With the Elland Road crowd behind them, this fixture offers a perfect platform to reset their campaign.
For West Ham United, the situation is equally concerning. The Hammers sit 19th in the table after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Brentford on Monday night, a result that extended their winless run in the Premier League to five matches .
Newly appointed manager Nuno Espírito Santo has endured a difficult start to life at the London club, losing both of his opening fixtures, including his home debut against Brentford. The Portuguese coach now faces a race against time to steady the ship and secure his first victory in charge.
Despite their struggles, West Ham can take encouragement from their away form all four of their Premier League points this season have come on the road. Their recent head-to-head record against Leeds also provides some comfort,the Hammers have lost just one of their last nine meetings and remain unbeaten in their last four visits to Elland Road.
For Nuno, this match presents both an opportunity and a test can he inspire a reaction from a side that has looked short on confidence, particularly in attack, where the goals have dried up?
Team News
Leeds will once again be without Noah Okafor, who missed the defeat at Burnley due to a muscle injury. Wilfried Gnonto remains a doubt after recently undergoing hernia surgery, while Daniel Farke will rely on Calvert-Lewin to lead the line. The English striker has a strong record against West Ham, scoring six goals in 13 appearances against the Londoners and opening the scoring in three of those matches.
This is a massive game for Leeds United and fans as the team desperately need maximum three points and rebuild their strong home record which was broken against Tottenham earlier this season , Leeds United coach Daniel Farke spoke to the press in a video shared by the team’s official X handle, the manager expressed his beliefs and what to expect from his players tomorrow evening amongst other talking points. They posted:
For West Ham, Niclas Füllkrug continues to be sidelined through injury, limiting Nuno’s attacking options. In midfield, Tomáš Souček remains a key figure, having scored all four of his last Premier League goals away from home. His aerial presence and late runs into the box could be vital as the Hammers look to exploit Leeds’ defensive frailties on set pieces.
Possible Lineups
Leeds United possible starting lineup:
Darlow; Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Gudmundsson; Longstaff, Tanaka, Stach; James, Calvert-Lewin, Harrison
West Ham United possible starting lineup:
Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Diouf; Irving, Soucek; Bowen, Summerville, Fernandes; Paqueta
For West Ham United who are currently in the relegation zone, sitting at 19th position on the log. The fans will be hoping for a much more spirited performance from the team. This is view is also shared by the Newly appointed coach Nuno Espirito Santos who spoke to the press in a video shared by the team’s official X handle, the manager expressed his high hopes and positive steps forward in tomorrow’s game. They posted:
SoftFootball Prediction
This clash has all the ingredients of a nervy, hard-fought battle between two sides short on confidence. Leeds’ home advantage and attacking creativity may give them a slight edge, but West Ham’s strong away record and superior recent history in this fixture cannot be ignored. With both teams struggling for rhythm in front of goal, a low-scoring encounter looks likely.
Prediction: Leeds United 1–1 West Ham United
