The two relegation rivals meet in the FA Cup quarter-final
Jason Mellor
11:47, 05 Apr 2026
West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
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West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo.(Image: Kevin Hodgson/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Nuno Espirito Santo reckons West Ham can give their Premier League survival hopes a huge boost by ending 20 years of FA Cup hurt.The Hammers are eyeing a first semi-final in two decades as their Portuguese boss looks to exploit the feelgood factor forged by the impressive run to the last eight.West Ham face relegation rivals Leeds at the London Stadium (SUN) to contest a place in the last four at Wembley later this month, and boss Nuno said: "We know what this game means for our fans. We expect support, it's a big occasion and we're looking forward to it. It's a big game, so let's enjoy it."We have to be switched-on to compete well and a bit of luck will help so let's hope that also happens. We're playing at the London Stadium, it’s been great for us to play at home and we're expecting more great support from our fans on a big occasion."The Hammers have fond memories of their most recent FA Cup semi-final back in 2006.
Marlon Harewood scored the only goal to beat Middlesbrough at Villa Park before Alan Pardew's men came agonisingly close to lifting the trophy for a fourth time - surrendering a two-goal lead to go down on penalties to a Steven Gerrard-inspired Liverpool at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.
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West Ham have pulled to within a point of safety thanks to a rally sparked by their cup run, and sit just four points behind Leeds - who they host on the final day of the Premier League campaign in May, when the Hammers will look for revenge after defeat at Elland Road in October.Nuno's men have seven league games left, starting with Friday's visit by basement side Wolves. Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville is again set to miss out with a calf injury, and the Hammers boss added: "We can't look too far ahead at this stage and we can't think about the Wolves game now. "We have to play one game at a time. We have to prepare and play well in this game, and then we'll look forward, because this game is going to be tough."Leeds are a good team with their own ambitions, so we have to be ready. They have good players, and we know what to expect. It was a while ago when we last played them and both teams have changed a lot. We make sure we learn from experiences, whether they are positive or negative."
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