West Ham vs Leeds Predictions
West Ham know only a win will do, but Leeds can be relied on to get on the scoresheet this weekend. BTTS is my preferred pick in a do-or-die contest for the home side.
Goals Expected in London
- West Ham have seen BTTS in 4 of their last 6 home matches
- Leeds have seen BTTS in their last 6 matches against West Ham (Premier League)
- Leeds have seen BTTS in 9 of their last 10 away matches
West Ham Hold Recent H2H Advantage
West Ham and Leeds have met on only nine occasions since 2012. The Hammers claimed victory in five of those matches, while Leeds picked up two wins before a 2-2 draw and subsequent penalty shootout success in the FA Cup earlier this year.
West Ham Slump at Newcastle
West Ham return to London Stadium with their hopes of avoiding Premier League relegation hanging by a thread after a 3-1 defeat at Newcastle last weekend.
A dismal first-half display saw the Hammers concede twice in the opening 20 minutes, with goals from Will Osula and Nick Woltemade ensuring a miserable journey home for the Hammers faithful.
Valentin Castellano's fifth Premier League goal proved consolation only as Nuno Espirito Santo's side slumped to their 19th defeat of the season.
Heading into this weekend's final round of fixtures, West Ham trail Tottenham by two points and must win to have any hope of avoiding Premier League relegation.
After an improved run of form in the Spring, the Hammers have lost their last three Premier League fixtures. They had lost only three of 17 previous fixtures since mid-January.
Leeds Upset Brighton
Leeds face their final Premier League fixture after an impressive 1-0 win against European-chasing Brighton last Sunday. Dominic Calvert-Lewin's dramatic stoppage-time goal sealed the points for Daniel Farke's in-form side.
The Peacocks were somewhat fortunate to pick up the victory at Elland Road. Brighton showed remarkable profligacy, as they failed to score despite registering an xG of 3.06 from 19 shots on the hosts' goal.
Much-improved since the turn of the year, Daniel Farke's side are now unbeaten in their last eight EPL fixtures. Leeds have risen to 14th in the division, 11 points clear of relegation-threatened West Ham.
An inability to turn draws into victories, particularly on the road, has hindered the Peacocks' progress. Leeds drew nine of 18 away Premier League games, with just two wins picked up on their travels this season.
On the road, Farke's men have been a reliable choice for goal chasers, though. All but two of their last 13 away EPL games finished with both teams on the scoresheet.
Predicted Lineups and Team News
West Ham (3-4-2-1) Mads Hermansen; Axel Disasi, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Jean-Clair Todibo; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Tomas Soucek, Mateus Fernandes, Malick Diouf; Jarrod Bowen, Crysencio Summerville; Callum Wilson
Head coach Espirito Santo has just one injury worry this weekend. Adama Traore is doubtful to feature due to a muscle injury.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the defeat at Newcastle, Espirito Santo bemoaned his side's poor start to the contest.
"We had a big disadvantage because we conceded two goals, but the game wasn't lost. We tried to react, but the way we conceded was poor. Even though we tried to react, it wasn't enough. I saw the mistakes and the disorganisation of the team.
“We were too open, we were allowing Newcastle to play. It was a very difficult match for us.”
Leeds (3-4-2-1) Karl Darlow; Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw; Daniel James, Ethan Ampadu, Ao Tanaka, James Justin; Sean Longstaff, Brenden Aaronson; Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Leeds boss Farke is unlikely to make too many changes to the side that edged past Brighton. The German boss has half a dozen injury concerns to deal with this weekend.
Ilia Gruev remains sidelined with a meniscus injury, while Noah Okafor is also unavailable due to a calf issue. Anton Stach, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Jayden Bogle and Pascal Struijk are all rated doubtful to feature on Sunday.
Speaking after the win against Brighton, Farke spoke in glowing terms about his squad.
"I love my players, and I always believe in them. These are a massive three points for us. It sums up our season perfectly.
"It was such a difficult game. We had to defend, but we stayed in the game. It is a priceless three points for us."