West Ham host fellow Premier League side Leeds United in one of the tastier ties in the third round of the FA cup. Both sides should be giving opportunities to youngsters, setting the stage for an entertaining cup tie.
It’s difficult to see the Hammers prioritising the FA Cup in a season where they have a realistic shot at champions league football and are fighting for the Europa League. David Moyes’ men sit just a point outside Arsenal in the top 4 and having topped their European group take a bye to the round of 16.
Contrasting form for Leeds United who have gone from a breath of fresh air in the league to battling just above the relegation zone. Bielsa’s side are also riddled with a mixture of covid and injuries, not appearing to make his job any easier going into the new year.
Two sides with differing form this season line-up in their first FA cup clash in 92 years. Injuries, covid and cup rotation make for a great spectacle and perfect opportunity for a bet builder accompanied with a cheat sheet.
West Ham vs Leeds Bet Builder Tips & Predictions
West Ham to Win
David Moyes’ West Ham side have been in fine form this season, building on the positive aspects of last year’s campaign which netted European football for the first time since the 2016/17 season. Antonio, Benrahma and Bowen have shined and propelled the Hammers up the table again this season, trailing just the top 3 in goals scored.
The Hammers will be without Fornals, Zouma, Creswell and Ogbonna through injury/ covid however it is expected that multiple more starters could be rested ahead of league meetings with Norwich and Leeds in the next 7 days. Despite that the Leeds situation is far worse with up to seven players ruled out with injury.
The previous three fixtures between these sides have all resulted in victories for the Hammers. Leeds have also struggled for any kind of success in the cup, losing 5 straight and going out in the 3rd round in their past 4 attempts. Sadly for Leeds fans I can’t see their luck changing here at the London Stadium.
Over 2.5 Goals
If recent form is anything to go by, these two sides should have no trouble finding the back of the net with each of their last 5 games seeing a combined 45 goals between them.
Leeds have been one of the easier back lines to breach in the prem this season, shipping 17 goals in their last 5 and holding the worst defensive record outside the bottom 3. Bielsa has rarely shown fear, setting up to win even in the toughest away games. Tactics used in the victory at the Etihad last year can also backfire as shown in the 7-0 disaster this season. Either way Bielsa has the firepower, particularly through star man Raphinha, to cause teams problems.
On the other hand, West Ham have looked far more stable this season. 33 goals in their 9 home games this season show how Moyes has deployed his front 4 effectively. The absence of star attacking midfielder, Said Benrahma is sure to be felt but the form of Bowen and depth of the hammers squad should keep the goals flowing.
West Ham brought home the 3 points from Elland Road in a 2-1 victory this season with neither side settling for a point. 78% of Hammers home games this season have had 2.5 goals or more and I expect another case of this here.
Junior Firpo to be Carded
Former Barcelona left back Junior Firpo has cemented his place in the starting 11 since joining Leeds this past summer. The Spaniard suits Bielsa’s system and appears to be settling in well.
Averaging 2.48 fouls committed per game for 5 yellows in just 13 games, Firpo is not a stranger to a yellow card, often making recovery challenges to stop counter attacks. Firpo, particularly in this game with many starters out, is often a useful attacking threat and not afraid to push up the pitch. Against a West Ham side with significant pace, Firpo should be in the action for a yellow.
Firpo particularly looks likely for a yellow against opposing number and tricky winger Jarrod Bowen who is in fine form. Similarly, Nikola Vlasic draws 2.8 fouls per game and is expected to start and support Bowen. An overload on the right hand side could leave Firpo struggling on the counter.
Written by an Andy verified content writer
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West Ham v Leeds Cheat Sheet
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How to watch West Ham vs Leeds in The FA Cup
📅 When is West Ham vs Leeds? / Sunday 9th January 2022, 14:00
🏟 Where is West Ham vs Leeds? / London Stadium (London)
📺 What TV Channel is West Ham vs Leeds on? / ITV 1
📱 Online Live Streaming for West Ham vs Leeds? / ITV Hub
🟨 …And who is the referee for West Ham vs Leeds / Stuart Atwell
