West Ham v Leeds Preview, Odds, Predictions (May 21)
Initial Thoughts
More than a few eyebrows were raised when Sam Allardyce got the call from Leeds very, very late in the season. But a win against a potentially distracted West Ham could make Big Sam’s appointment look like a masterstroke this weekend.
The Narrative
Without a win in their last seven matches, Premier League survival is still just about on the table after a resurgence under Sam Allyardyce.
Since the Englishman took over at the start of the month, the Peacocks have gone toe-to-toe with Man City in a 2-1 loss at the Etihad, and were unlucky not to come away with all three points last week in a dramatic 2-2 draw against the Magpies at Elland Rd.
After going ahead early through Luke Ayling - who racked up his first Premier League goal of the season - Leeds missed the chance to go two up when Patrick Bamford missed a penalty on 28 minutes.
Callum Wilson then scored two spot kicks to show Bamford how it's done, only for Rasmus Kristensen to draw Leeds level late in the game.
That point leaves the Peacocks 18th in the league with two games left to play - just one point behind Everton in 17th and three points behind Nottingham Forest who sit one spot higher.
On 37 points, West Ham are not mathematically safe yet, but their superior goal difference means a win on Sunday should guarantee their top flight status next season.
But the Hammers may come into this one both tired and distracted after booking a place in the Europa Conference League final with a win against AZ
Nuts and Bolts
West Ham have won only once in their last four home Premier League matches, but that victory came in an impressive win over Manchester United at the start of the month.
A Saïd Benrahma strike midway through the first half was enough to give the Hammers a 1-0 victory on the day. But the goal came via a huge slice of luck after David De Gea fumbled Benrahma's speculative strike on 27 minutes.
West Ham returned to losing-ways in a 2-0 defeat away to Brentford last weekend, but their 1-0 win away to AZ Alkmaar in the Conference league will ensure Moye’s side arrive into this matchup on a high.
Leed’s final league match will be at home to Tottenham Hotspur, so to stand any chance of staying up Allardyce’s side have to win this game at the London Stadium on Sunday.
Considering the Peacocks have managed only two away wins all season and haven’t tasted victory on the road for 11 matches, three points here would represent a massive achievement for both Leeds and Big Sam.
But on the evidence of their last two outings a Yorkshire miracle might just be in the making here, especially as West Ham are virtually secure in the league and have bigger fish to fry after booking that spot in the Europa Conference League final.
Homestand Picks
All odds courtesy of Northstar Bets
Declan Rice anytime goal (+800)
In what is likely to be his final appearance at the London Stadium, Declan Rice is very good value to sign off in style in front of the Hammer’s faithful.
Leeds have received three or more cards per game since Big Sam took over, and with so much on the line expect a spicey game on Sunday.
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