Leeds United travel to West Ham in the FA Cup this weekend with the two sides perhaps having survival as a priority, but eyeing a trip to Wembley in the meantime.
Daniel Farke has the chance to seal a memorable season for Leeds by securing survival and enjoying a lengthy FA Cup run seldom seen at Elland Road.
Awaiting him and Leeds in the quarter-final are West Ham. The Irons are in a very similar position to Leeds, fighting to stay in the league, but surely looking to book a place in the semi-final.
Chris Sutton issues strong Leeds United predicted vs West Ham in FA Cup
We’re all expecting that Farke goes strong for this game. The chance to get to an FA Cup semi-final is not an opportunity many Whites fans have had the pleasure of witnessing.
On top of that, Leeds are ideally afforded an eight-game break after this game. Manchester United are up next in the Premier League on Monday 13th April.
As a result, BBC pundit Chris Sutton has predicted Leeds to win 2-1 after extra-time, aided by the luxury of two extra days’ rest after this weekend, allowing Farke to perhaps go stronger than Nuno Espirito Santo.
“The most intriguing thing about this tie is how both teams are going to approach it,” Sutton wrote. “They are both in the thick of the relegation battle at the bottom of the table and will surely have at least one eye on that, rather than being fully focused on the FA Cup.
“Leeds don’t play in the league until the following Monday, when they go to Old Trafford, but West Ham are back in action on Friday, at home to bottom side Wolves.
“Out of the two games, Wolves is surely the one that Hammers boss Nuno Espirito Santo will prioritise, because it has to be seen as ‘must win’ for them – but you could argue Leeds manager Daniel Farke will do the same before his side play Manchester United too.
“The one thing both teams definitely don’t want here is extra time, and what usually happens in that scenario is that the tie goes the distance. So, that’s what I am going to say we will see here, too. You won’t be able to split the teams over 90 minutes, but then Leeds will be the ones who find a winner.
Daniel Farke has opportunity for Leeds United history with West Ham FA Cup clash
The incentive to win this game is three-fold.
Firstly and most importantly, it allows us a trip to Wembley for an FA Cup semi-final and chance to dream of winning the entire thing for only the second time.
Secondly, it gives the squad a huge lift for the last seven league games of the season. The confidence that could stem from winning in London could kick us over the line in the relegation scrap.
Thirdly, it’s a huge psychological advantage over a relegation rival. Beating West Ham could give us the boost to know we have what it takes to stay above them.
For that reason, it’s as much of a must-win as you could possibly get in a cup competition.
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