Leeds United vs West Ham United FC, Premier League 2022-2023, Today Match Prediction

Leeds United vs West Ham United FC Match Prediction & Analysis

Although neither Leeds nor West Ham are currently in the bottom three, they have been two of the weakest teams over the past couple of months.

Leeds have struggled under Jesse Marsch all season, failing to play with the same attacking freedom that Marcelo Bielsa instilled when he was managed.

The Yorkshire club have enjoyed one or two positive results, such as wins over Liverpool and Chelsea, but they have been few and far between. They’re two points off the relegation spots.

West Ham are arguably in an even worse position than their opponents. David Moyes’ men have lost five straight games in the league and find themselves level on points with Nottingham Forest in 18th.

They face a tough climb to safety. Having already spent plenty of money in the summer transfer window, is there anything left for new recruits in January? 

Rumours have been swirling about the safety of Moyes’ job. He won’t have too much time left if results continue as they have been.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Leeds United Preview

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Claimed a positive draw against 3rd-placed Newcastle at the weekend

     Forshaw should be available despite coming off in their last game

Reasons to be fearful:

     Conceded 35 home goals in 2022 – their highest since 1959

     Have lost three of their last four league games against West Ham

Leeds have started 2023 in positive fashion, signing new recruit Max Wober from RB Salzburg in Austria. That makes him the fourth signing from Jesse Marsch’s former club in the last seven months.

Rarely does it work out that so many signings from one club can repeat their success elsewhere, although Marsch will have other ideas about that.

In truth, they need a spark at Elland Road. Despite excellent wins over Chelsea and Liverpool, little else has gone right for the Yorkshire club. 

The once-prolific Patrick Bamford continues to spend time on the treatment table, while goals have dried up elsewhere. You would expect another signing or two this month. 

In addition to the vast amount of goals conceded in 2022, they only kept two clean sheets at Elland Road. Unsurprisingly, they’ve conceded three goals in each of their last three home games in the league.

Star Man – Rodrigo

The Spaniard’s goal tally has dried up of late, although he needs more help from those around him. A goal against West Ham could revive his season.

West Ham United FC Preview

Reasons to be cheerful

     Won their last two games at Elland Road

     And David Moyes has never lost away to Leeds during his career

Reasons to be fearful

     Lost five consecutive games for the first time since 2017

     Confidence is at rock bottom after some dismal results

Considering that West Ham have spent the past few seasons chasing European places, this has come as somewhat of a shock to their fanbase.

In addition, West Ham spent in the region of £160m on new recruits in the summer, with big names like Scamacca and Paqueta coming through the door. It’s safe to say it hasn’t gone as planned so far.

For the Hammers to lose five on the bounce, something must be going wrong. While two of those have come against Manchester United and Arsenal, the other three have been against very beatable teams.

Indeed, after this fixture, Moyes’ men face Wolves and Everton in the league. Including this game, they must aim to take nine points from those three matches.

Star Man – Said Benrahma

Benrahma is the only West Ham player to score in the Premier League since 24th October. It has been too long since the Hammers have scored consistently, but you feel that this lad can cause problems in any game.