Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton has delivered his verdict on whether Leeds United can end their long winless home run against West Ham.
Both sides come into the game under pressure to deliver a much-improved performance as the Premier League relegation fight begins to take shape.
Leeds have not secured a home win against the Hammers in 20 years, with their last victory coming via a Shaun Derry strike in 2005.
However, Daniel Farke has several fitness concerns ahead of the game with Ethan Ampadu, Willy Gnonto and Noah Okafor all doubtful for the crucial game at Elland Road.
On the verge of the game, Sutton has now predicted whether Leeds can end their long barren run at home against West Ham to help put daylight between themselves and the relegation zone.
Chris Sutton on punditry duty during an Old Firm game.
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Chris Sutton predicts Leeds United vs West Ham
Speaking to BBC Sport, former Premier League winner Sutton backed Leeds to secure all three points at home to end their run of back-to-back defeats.
According to Sutton, although he believes Jarrod Bowen could find the net at Elland Road, Leeds will have enough to claim all three points in a welcome boost to Farke.
Sutton said, “Whenever I watch a team play as poorly as West Ham did then, I wonder how they will ever win a game. Leeds are not on a great run either, but I still feel like they’ve been competitive when I’ve seen them.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
“Most people would probably go for a draw here – that’s what I’m expecting from the readers anyway – but I actually think Leeds might edge this one.
“I have a feeling West Ham will score, because Jarrod Bowen is always dangerous, but I don’t fancy them to keep a clean sheet, even though sorting out their defence is probably Nuno’s priority. 2-1”
Daniel Farke and Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Leeds United
Photo by Mike Morese/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Leeds looking to avoid back-to-back home defeats
Leeds slipped to a home defeat against Spurs in their last Premier League game at Elland Road to end their 23-game unbeaten run at home.
The Whites’ home is likely to play a crucial role in Leeds’ attempt to stay in the top flight, with Ao Tanaka urging fans to recreate the cauldron of noise which greeted Everton in the opening game of the season.
Leeds’ previous 24 home games:
Won: 18
Drawn: 5
Lost: 1
If Leeds do fall to a home defeat against West Ham, it will be the first time that they have lost back-to-back league games at Elland Road since May 2024, according to the BBC.
Having fallen to defeat against Spurs, Leeds’ record in their last 24 home games has seen them win 18, draw five and lose once.