It might be too early to say it is a must-win game for both sides, but Leeds United and West Ham United are both desperately in need of a win on Friday – and Paul Merson has given his prediction.
Both sides come into the match sitting in the bottom five, and having suffered 2-0 defeats to teams expected to join them in the bottom third of the table. Leeds dominated, but lost 2-0 to Burnley.
A result that left Alan Shearer shocked. On Monday night and only a few days ahead of Friday’s clash against Leeds, West Ham hosted Brentford and were easily beaten 2-0. It could have been three or four.
Now, Nuno Espirito Santo goes to Elland Road in search of his first win as West Ham manager, at the fourth attempt. Nuno will be confident, having won all four games as a manager against Leeds.
Photo by Sam Bagnall – AMA/Getty ImagesPaul Merson predicts Leeds clash v West Ham
Leeds fans were left stunned by West Ham’s performance on Monday. A side in total fear and lacking any confidence. But Daniel Farke made the point that he didn’t like it, because Nuno will expect a reaction.
Merson gave a detailed analysis of both sides, mostly his old club West Ham, before predicting Leeds would use Elland Road to their advantage. He told Sports Keeda that Leeds will win 2-0 on Friday.
“I watched West Ham against Brentford on Monday and I must admit, I haven’t seen anything as bad as that for a long time. West Ham got ripped to shreds. They looked petrified and nervous,” Merson said.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
“Leeds have done a decent job so far, but they will be extremely disappointed about losing to Burnley. The battle to avoid relegation will be really tight, with Leeds and West Ham expected to be involved.
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“I don’t think West Ham can afford to lose this game, and Leeds can’t afford not to win. If I said this at the start of the season, you’d think I’m mad. Fighting each other for survival after just eight games? No way!
If West Ham lose this game, I don’t know what can save them. I’ve got to pick a winner now? Wow, this is hard! Only because of what I saw on Monday with West Ham, I’m going with Leeds here,” Merson added.
Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty ImagesLeeds United and West Ham injury news ahead of Friday night
Leeds already have a physical advantage going into Friday’s game, having played two days earlier. Nuno said he hadn’t prepped his West Ham side during Wednesday’s presser, given they played on Monday.
Daniel Farke said Willy Gnonto, Ethan Ampadu, Pascal Struijk and Noah Okafor are doubts for the game, but Harry Gray, Lucas Perri and Dan James are available. West Ham are without Kostantinos Mavropanos.
Leeds injuries and doubtsWest Ham injuries and doubtsEthan Ampadu – illness (doubt)Konstantinos Mavropanos – thigh (out)Pascal Struijk – illness (doubt)Niclas Fullkrug – thigh (out)Noah Okafor – adductor (doubt)George Earthy – thigh (out)Willy Gnonto – hernia surgery (doubt)Lucas Perri – quad (available)Dan James – ankle (available)Harry Gray – hip (available)
The Hammers are also without George Earthy and Niclas Fullkrug, with the Hammers duo both sidelined with thigh injuries. Illness has hampered Ampadu and Struijk, but hopefully they will be able to play.