Leeds United’s fans have had their say on Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final at West Ham.
Leeds United will return to action with Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final at West Ham - but what do the club’s fans think? Here is what our YEP Jury have had say with disagreement on the predictions front.
DAVID WATKINS
Thank goodness the international break is over. Now we get back to the real stuff!
Once again, it is hard to know what sort of line-ups both teams will put out in this one.
My guess is that Daniel Farke will keep faith with the ‘Second XI’, the players that have won through each of the previous three rounds.
Obviously, if West Ham United play a strong side, it would look like a very tough assignment for the Whites.
On the other hand, if West Ham also keep back their regular starters, then the game ought to be close.
Both teams should be far more focused on the remaining seven Premier League fixtures, which will decide whether either or both remain in the top flight, and, in particular, that final-day clash at the London Stadium.
I have a sneaking suspicion the script might follow the one we saw play out in 2022 when we travelled to London in the third round of the Cup and lost 2-0, and then went back a week later and beat them in the league.
Most Leeds fans would be happy with that, I think.
Having said that, a day out at Wembley will be a fantastic reward for the winners!
Prediction: West Ham United 2 Leeds United 0.
KEITH INGHAM
This Sunday, Leeds United have their first chance to reach a major trophy semi-final since 2001 when they lost 3-0 on aggregate to Valencia in the Champions League.
Make no mistake, this is a really BIG game for the club with 9,000 Leeds fans travelling down to London to see them play West Ham at The London Stadium.
Both teams are battling for Premier League survival but Sunday gives them an opportunity to reach an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley so I’d expect both teams to put out strong sides and limit the changes from their usual Premier League line-ups.
I’d expect at least a couple of changes. Lucas Perri to come in for Karl Darlow and I’d hope that the underused Ao Tanaka or Willy Gnonto may get a start, surely it’s time to give them much-needed game time.
I’d also like to see Leeds more on the front foot and take the game to West Ham.
It’s time to unleash the attack, safety first won’t cut it with the fans, not for this game.
I’d like to see a front three of Noah Okafor (if fit), Gnonto and either Lukas Nmecha or Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
It could go all the way to penalties but I’m really hoping that Leeds will make it through.
Prediction: West Ham United 2 Leeds United 2 (Leeds win on pens).
NEIL GREWER
The two clubs approach this game in similar situations with identical priorities (not the FA Cup). Fortune favours the brave, but who will be bravest in team selection and tactics?
The last Cup game saw a much-changed Leeds side win convincingly against Championship opposition but the previous two rounds had been less comfortable.
I am sure we will see the ‘Cup’ side start the game with the big guns on the bench for options.
I expect the Hammers will be the same. As Leeds are reliant on Dominic Calvert-Lewin, West Ham are equally reliant on captain Jarrod Bowen and I would be surprised to see either start.
Leeds will be roared on by 9,000 fanatics and this should spur the boys on and provide some atmosphere in a stadium usually lacking that.
If Leeds are to win this game, the selected XI must gel from the start and impose themselves early on to disenchant the locals and increase the pressure on the home team.
And the scoring opportunities must be taken. But Leeds are due a win and some good fortune.
Prediction: West Ham United 1 Leeds United 1 (Leeds win 2-1 after extra-time).
ANDY RHODES
Following a week off from the drama of the Premier League relegation fight, Leeds United travel to West Ham United on Sunday in what could be a dress rehearsal of a potential final day decider.
That isn’t to say there’s any less riding on this game in the FA Cup.
Some fans would rather see Leeds survive in the top division but some would rather experience the glory of a once-in-a-generation FA Cup title.
First, though, Leeds will have to win in London.
The Hammers will be up for this game so if Leeds aren’t fully committed they won’t get a result.
Coming off the back of a much-needed break, some players will be rejuvenated, while others played twice over the international window.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has work to do to get a seat on the plane to the World Cup, and he will have a huge role to play in the Whites’ big push for league survival.
Leeds are one game from a semi-final at Wembley but, if Leeds are to win the Cup, they will need three wins in the capital, not just one.
Prediction: West Ham United 3 Leeds United 1.
When this match has been played, the winners will say that the momentum built will help their fight for survival.
The losers will of course say that they can now concentrate their efforts on the remaining Premier League games.
The thing is, having reached this stage, both sides will be striving for a win.
This is the FA Cup so that doesn’t necessarily mean that they will be putting their strongest sides out but having progressed this far, they will be taking it seriously.
The fact that West Ham are still in the competition and still stand a chance of Premier League survival is due to their improvement in form since the turn of the year.
They have wisely stuck with Nuno Espirito Santo and their patience is being rewarded.
The Hammers have a good squad with some fine players and Jarrod Bowen in particular will need watching.
This is a hard one to call and there’s no opportunity to sit on the fence. so I’m backing the Whites to get through to the semi-finals.
Prediction: West Ham United 1 Leeds United 2.
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