Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Credit: Imago)
Leeds United make the trip down south to take on West Ham in the quarter-final of the FA Cup tomorrow, with the winner being awarded a trip to Wembley for the semi-final.
Both sides are also embroiled in the Premier League relegation battle, with it being unclear how seriously both managers will take the cup tie ahead of a pivotal run-in.
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Ahead of the game, West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo confirmed that former Leeds man Crysencio Summerville was still struggling with injury and was a doubt for the game against his former club.
Furthermore, Daniel Farke confirmed in his press conference that Dominic Calvert-Lewin was forced to end training early with a hamstring issue, meaning United’s talisman is also likely to be out for the game.
Sebastiaan Bornauw amongst those who may be given a chance to impress
With Leeds facing lower-league opposition in the earlier rounds of the FA Cup, Farke reverted to the 4-2-3-1 he deployed in the Championship; however, with the Whites facing West Ham, expect Farke to redeploy his back five.
Given the significance of the run-in ahead, it seems silly to risk Calvert-Lewin in this game, given his injury scare in midweek, with Lukas Nmecha likely to lead the line in his place.
Noah Okafor himself is also just returning from an injury, and whilst it could be an ideal opportunity to give the winger some minutes as he works his way back to full fitness, Farke may deem starting him to be too risky.
Given Jaka Bijol and Joe Rodon were both away on international duty, it is likely Bornauw will slide into the back three in one of their places, with the Belgian defender not being given any gametime since United’s last FA Cup tie against Norwich.
Expect Lucas Perri to get the nod in between the sticks, with the Brazilian slowly repairing his confidence after a couple of solid displays in the competition.
The Leeds Press expected lineup: Perri, Bogle, Bornauw, Bijol, Struijk, Justin, Ampadu, Gruev, Aaronson, Gnonto, Nmecha
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Lukas Nmecha has a golden opportunity to impress Daniel Farke
Nmecha was shoehorned out on the left wing for Leeds’ last Premier League outing against Brentford, with the German looking awkward in that role again and out of place.
The data suggests Nmecha was quiet against Brentford, with the forward only registering one shot
None of the two crosses he attempted were successful
Furthermore, the only dribble of the game he attempted was unsuccessful (Sofascore)
However, with Calvert-Lewin likely to be watching on from the bench, Nmecha could be handed another golden opportunity to impress Farke in his absence.
Given United’s goalscoring troubles in the Premier League as of late, as well as Calvert-Lewin’s barren patch in front of goal, if Nmecha can impress, then he could force his way into the team for the run-in.
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