MX23RW : Thursday, December 17 16:13:19| >> :120:7457:7457:
Dec 11, 2020 at 8pm UK at Elland Road
LeedsLeeds United
1-2
West HamWest Ham United
Klich (6' pen.)
Alioski (33')
FT(HT: 1-1)
Soucek (25'), Ogbonna (80')
Fabianski (3'), Noble (90+1')

Preview: Leeds United vs. West Ham United - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Friday's Premier League clash between Leeds United and West Ham United, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

West Ham United square off against Leeds United on Friday evening looking to strengthen their position in the top half of the Premier League standings.

The home side, who are in 14th place, head into the contest at Elland Road sitting just three points adrift of their opponents.


Match preview

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa pictured on November 7, 2020© Reuters

You will struggle to find many people who have not been impressed by Leeds this season, particularly in fixtures against the bigger clubs in the top flight.

However, a 14-point haul from 11 matches would have been regarded as the bare minimum after the level of investment during the summer, and it leaves Marcelo Bielsa having to demand further improvement.

One win and three defeats have been recorded from their last five outings, the most recent setback coming after taking an early lead against Chelsea on Saturday evening.

There was no shame in eventually losing out to one of the form teams in European football, but Leeds would have been disappointed to have not earned at least a share of the spoils at Stamford Bridge.

While Patrick Bamford continued his excellent scoring record for the campaign in West London, Leeds must find a solution to their inconsistent backline now that Robin Koch has been ruled out in the long term with a knee injury.

From West Ham's perspective, David Moyes would have required a few days to get over the defeat to Manchester United, one which occurred after their opponents netted an equaliser which should have been ruled out.

Although all clubs will feel aggrieved at some point throughout the season, Moyes will be frustrated that an opportunity to extend the club's winning streak to four matches was squandered.

The result could have been different had the Hammers showed more of a ruthless streak during the opening 45 minutes at the London Stadium, something which has been missing in the final third for four matches.

With Leeds possessing the third-worst defensive record in the division, Moyes's side should not be short of chances to redeem themselves in that area of the pitch.

That said, after being fortunate to edge out Aston Villa and conceding three quick goals to United, more focus arguably needs to be placed on keeping things tight at the back.

Leeds United Premier League form: WLLDWL

West Ham United Premier League form: DLWWWL



Team News

West Ham United manager David Moyes pictured on June 20, 2020© Reuters

Moyes may finally give a start to summer signing Said Benrahma, who could replace Pablo Fornals in the final third.

With Michail Antonio continuing to struggle with a hamstring injury, Sebastien Haller is expected to remain in the starting lineup.

Bielsa made the decision to name his starting lineup in Wednesday's press conference, revealing that Luke Ayling would feature at centre-back and Rodrigo Moreno in a creative role further forward.

As well as Koch being ruled out until next year, fellow defender Diego Llorente will be sidelined for at least two weeks.

Leeds United possible starting lineup:
Meslier; Dallas, Ayling, Cooper, Alioski; Phillips; Raphinha, Klich, Rodrigo, Harrison; Bamford

West Ham United possible starting lineup:
Fabianski; Balbuena, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Coufal, Rice, Soucek, Masuaku; Bowen, Haller, Benrahma


SM words green background

We say: Leeds United 2-1 West Ham United

Given the circumstances of their defeat against Man United, West Ham will be motivated to shake off that frustration at the earliest opportunity. However, Leeds will fancy their chances in this contest, and we feel that the home side will edge an entertaining encounter by the odd goal in three.


Top betting tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting a double chance bet on a home win or an away win in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Home/Away:data



Video prediction

Watch the Sports Mole Football Shorts prediction for this game below:


ID:425727:cQx

Who will win Friday's Premier League clash between Leeds and West Ham?

Leeds United
53.0%
Draw
18.9%
West Ham United
28.1%
477
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Leeds United defender Robin Koch in action against Wolverhampton Wanderers's Daniel Podence on October 19, 2020
Read Next:
Leeds defender Robin Koch to undergo knee surgery
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Todays Game Header Right
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool1384129191028
2Tottenham HotspurSpurs1374225121325
3Southampton137332518724
4Leicester CityLeicester138052417724
5Everton137242318523
6Chelsea1364326141222
7West Ham UnitedWest Ham136342116521
8Manchester CityMan City125521812620
9Manchester UnitedMan Utd116231917220
10Wolverhampton WanderersWolves136251317-420
11Aston Villa106042113818
12Crystal Palace135351918118
13Leeds UnitedLeeds135262224-217
14Newcastle UnitedNewcastle125251621-517
15Arsenal134271116-514
16Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton132561521-611
17Fulham132381222-109
18Burnley11236618-129
19West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom131481026-167
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd120111521-161

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