- West Ham play Leeds United on Sunday
- Even if the Hammers win, they could be relegated on the Premier League final day
- The game kicks off at 4PM BST
On Sunday, West Ham United host Leeds United on a day that will decide what league they play their football in next season. The Hammers are two points from safety in the Premier League and know they must win – and hope for favourable results elsewhere – to give themselves a chance of survival.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have lost their last two matches and remain in the Premier League zone. However, due to relegation rivals Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-1 defeat at Chelsea on Tuesday night, West Ham’s survival chances are still revivable despite hanging on by a thread.
Leeds United were once in the relegation fight with West Ham and Spurs; however, following an unbeaten run in their last eight, Daniel Farke’s men have confirmed their top-flight status after being promoted from the Championship last season. The Whites enter this weekend’s clash off the back of a 1-0 win against European-chasing Brighton & Hove Albion, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin notching his 14th league goal and displaying why he’s become a shrewd signing at Elland Road.
The Hammers know this is a must-win game, but they will also need former manager David Moyes to do them a winning favour when the Scot’s Everton travel to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The only combination of results that keeps West Ham is a Hammers win and a Spurs loss.
Key Statistics
- West Ham scored just three goals in their last five Premier League matches
- Jarrod Bowen has 10 Premier League assists this season, third-most in the division – but hasn’t scored in his last 12 matches
- Leeds scored seven goals in their last five matches, more than double West Ham’s three
- Leeds have drawn 14 league matches this season
- If West Ham fail to win, they will be relegated for the first time since the 2010-11 season
Prediction
Here, a handful of our writers give their predictions for the game…
Ralphael Adelugba
“Before the Newcastle game, the mood around West Ham was defiant. After the St James’ Park defeat, it was defeated. Following Tottenham Hotspur’s defeat at Chelsea, the noise coming out of the club is indifferent. The mix of emotions in a couple of days should be able to spin any club into oblivion, but for the Hammers, it’s indicative of their season.
“Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have shown all the hallmarks of a relegated side last week, yet, they could still remain in the Premier League by Monday. A headspin.
“Leeds have nothing to play for, but will relish in sending one of the long-standing Premier League clubs down, as would Moyes with Everton, who would likely not take pity in West Ham’s demise after being labelled the source of stagnation.
“It would be hard to see West Ham not go down without a fight, but going down still remains the likely outcome.”
Prediction: West Ham 2-2 Leeds United
Matt Bottomley
“West Ham are on their knees but one more lifeline might be what they needed. There’s no hiding it, the Hammers were bad in Newcastle but now they have a chance to rectify it all. Nuno’s team will go for it, the question really is, will we get a full 90 minute performance from this team.
“Leeds United are no push over and will no doubt play to their abilities. This is more about the Irons, because if they actually show up, anything is possible. Leeds form will make this a shootout, one West Ham have no choice but to win.
“I do believe the Hammers will go out fighting but like a lot of this season, it might just not be enough.”
Prediction: West Ham 1-2 Leeds United
