Like Leeds United, West Ham suffered a poor result against a relegation rival last time out and will now be looking to bounce back on Friday night when they come to Elland Road.
Despite dominating against Burnley at Turf Moor, Leeds were beaten 2-0. Micah Richards said Leeds were “excellent”, boasting 69% possession, an XG north of 2.5, and 19 attempts at Burnley’s goal, 17 in the box.
But they failed to score, while Burnley managed to find the back of the net twice from four attempts. A poor result for Leeds, but Daniel Farke’s side remain in 16th place with eight points from eight games.
On Monday night, Nuno Espirito Santo watched his West Ham side lose 2-0 to Brentford. A dismal result for the Hammers in Nuno’s first home game, a game they could have easily lost by more than two.
Nuno Espirito Santo looks on during West Ham's loss to Brentford.
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Nuno identifies the ‘good thing’ about facing Leeds
West Ham are in action for the second time during the week, when they go to Leeds on Friday night as Nuno remains on the hunt for his first win as West Ham manager, since leaving Nottingham Forest.
Nuno has won all four games in his career against Leeds, but The Whites and Farke will hope home advantage pays off. Speaking to West Ham’s website, Nuno says it is a ‘good thing’ a game is so soon.
“We need to be stronger [starting at Leeds]. The good thing is it’s coming soon. It’s coming fast in four days. We have to show another situation, another face of ourselves. We must improve so many things.”
Nuno during his time as Forest manager.
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Three key battles as Leeds United take on West Ham
Jarrod Bowen started up front by himself on Monday night and it will be interesting to see if he remains as his side’s lone striker at Leeds. Bowen himself has been talking about Elland Road and Leeds fans.
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If that is the case, getting the selection right in defence is key for Farke. Aidy White thinks Farke has to start Jaka Bijol against Bowen, and stopping the England star is crucial if Leeds are to have any success.
Crysencio Summerville is likely to start on West Ham’s left, meaning he will come up against Jayden Bogle. Another battle that Bogle has to get right with Summerville starting to find form at West Ham.
Then, Dominic Calvert-Lewin will surely be licking his lips to take on Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo. Hammers News gave the West Ham duo a 2/10 last night, and they will now be lacking in confidence.