Leeds vs West Ham Preview
Leeds vs West Ham Preview
Overview
Leeds have avoided defeat in half of their eight league games and look competitive at Elland Road. West Ham’s only win came away to Nottingham Forest; under Nuno they’ve lacked identity and intensity, conceding too many box entries.
Cheet Sheet
Form Notes
- Leeds (H): Compact 4-3-3, quick deliveries into the box; ~6.3 crosses per game.
- West Ham (A): One win in eight; defensive lapses and slow rest-defence in transition.
Lineups & Shape
Leeds likely stay 4-3-3 with hard-working wide roles (Aaronsen/Harrison) to stabilize rest-defence. Okafor is sidelined; Gnonto expected out.
West Ham used 4-2-3-1 vs Brentford but may shift to a back three to close central lanes. Füllkrug is out; Wilson could lead the line or Bowen/Paquetá may operate centrally.
Key Stats
- Most GA: West Ham have conceded the most goals in the league so far (18).
- Leeds at home: Unbeaten in 3 of their home matches.
- West Ham overall: 1 win in 8.
Tactical Snapshot
Leeds compress the middle on turnovers and attack wide-to-box early, aiming for cutbacks and second balls. West Ham must protect the penalty spot area; an extra centre-back or deeper pivot would help. Bowen’s inside runs and early switches remain their best route to threat.
Match Angles (data-led)
- Leeds home edge: Cross volume vs shaky box defence.
- Shots on Target: D. Calvert-Lewin 1+ SOT (role/volume), J. Bowen 1+ SOT (inside-right lanes).
- Fouls Won: Aaronsen/Harrison draw contact vs aggressive fullbacks; 1–2+ FW ladders viable.
- Cards: Over 4.5 live if tempo climbs; Leeds’ crossing creates frequent duels.
- Both Teams to Score: Lean BTTS given conceding trends and Leeds’ open transitions.
AI Match Analysis
Model lean: Leeds 1.4 – 1.2 West Ham.
Higher-edge micros: Leeds corners ≥5, Leeds 0.5+ goals, Bowen 1+ SOT.
Risk flags: If West Ham switch to a back three with conservative wingbacks, Leeds cross volume can drop 10–15%, softening card/corners angles.
