West Ham vs. Leeds: preview and betting tips

West Ham are at home to Leeds on Sunday. While David Moyes’ charges can get closer to second place if they win, the visitors are still close to the relegation zone. What to expect from the clash?

West Ham made it through Wednesday’s Round of 18, winning their third league game in a row (2-0 over Norwich) and confirming their good New Year form. They jumped up to fourth place in the table, only six points behind second-placed Liverpool.

Leeds are not playing the same football as last year, but they won an important rescue game against Burnley before the winter break and leapfrogged the last four of the league. From sixteenth place, they are eight points clear of the relegation places.

Jarrod Bowen has been in representative form, scoring five times and adding seven assists. Vladimir Coufal’s performance is up, he assisted the winning goal against Norwich. Midfielder Manuel Lanzini is also doing well.

If it wasn’t for Raphinha, the visitors would be even lower in the table. The Brazilian winger has already scored eight goals and assisted once. Nineteen-year-old super midfielder Joe Gelhardt has one goal and two assists.

Last year West Ham stood on solid defence, this year they are relying more on attack. Only Leicester (33) have a worse defensive record than the Hammers (27) in the Premier League top ten.

Leeds, after a miserable start, have had a bit of a shoot-out. They have scored two or more goals in three of their last five league games.

Given the form of Bowen and the return of Aaron Cresswell from injury, I think West Ham will confirm their role as favourites to win.