Thank you for joining me for this Premier League match which has seen Leeds staring into the abyss of relegation. They have a lifeline with their game against Tottenham next weekend which is a must-win. An impressive second half performance from West Ham, particularly through Bowen, sees them continue their winning form. For all the action, have a read of the report:
Want more football? Well you are in luck! I will be on the Manchester WSL derby and I hope to see you there, the kick-off in that one is 6.45pm. There is a game to keep up to date with before then with Manchester City v Chelsea in the Premier League, the coverage has began on that one:
What are the clubs fighting for survival’s final matches? Everton host Bournemouth, Leeds are against Tottenham and Leicester host West Ham.
Bill has got in touch about the relegation zone, saying: “Everton really have squeaked this, I reckon, with some last second thrilling heroics yesterday. Leeds really need a proper stomp on next weekend, but I think their needs are just too much for them.” It will be close.
West Ham’s two second half goals:
West Ham take the lead! ⚒️
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 21, 2023
Jarrod Bowen finishes nicely to put the Hammers 2-1 up 👏 pic.twitter.com/42hiLuMtnq
Another for West Ham ⚽
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 21, 2023
Manuel Lanzini finishes the game off thanks to a brilliant assist from Lucas Paquetá 👏 pic.twitter.com/nB0IP7aCQV
Leeds may have lost today but they are not relegated yet, it will come down to the final day of the season. Matthew has got in touch and has his say on Everton’s chances: “Everton haven’t got any full-backs, or a striker worth the name, which means they can’t play their preferred formation and lack even more than usual for goals. They also rank 18th for home form this season so I wouldn’t write any headline just yet.”
Graeme has emailed and said: “Yes to bacon Wheat Crunchies. Yes to cheese Quavers. Yes to beef Monster Munch. Yes to Declan lifting a trophy and signing a contract extension.” You can have all the snacks, you could have Rice raising a trophy but I think a Rice contract extension is unlikely.
Full-time: West Ham 3-1 Leeds
Rice, Bowen and Lanzini may have just signed Leeds’ relegation with a superb second half for West Ham paying off. Leeds went ahead but couldn’t hold on, suffered the loss of Bamford and come away with nothing.
Updated
90 + 9 min: Leeds have a free kick in a good position, Greenwood takes it but Ogbonna heads away and there’s the full-time whistle.
90 + 9 min: I thought that was a sure goal with Paqueta making a great run but his pass to Rice doesn’t connect!
90 + 8 min: Leeds haven’t given up with Gnonto popping in another ball. But Bamford’s expression on the bench says it all, he looks close to tears.
90 + 7 min: Consolation for Leeds is that their fight for survival is not over. They will be able to battle for a place in the Premier League next weekend!
90 + 6 min: The goal stands! Leeds supporters have started to empty out of the London Stadium, Allardyce has a face of thunder.
90 + 5 min: they are checking this for offside!
GOAL! West Ham 3-1 Leeds (Lanzini, 90 + 4')
The corner comes good and that is the game put it bed. They take the set piece short and despite four Leeds players being there they get it in with Paqueta and Lanzini slots it home.
Updated
90 + 4 min: A great tackle from Leeds as they close out a cross from Fornals. Ahead of the corner Johnson is brought on for Ings and Mubama is on for Ings.
90 + 3 min: Leeds have a corner and Greenwood take it, the kick doesn’t find any of his teammates and Fornals clears.
90 + 2 min: There should have been a foul there as Greenwood is clearly challenged with an arm around the neck but nothing was given. Is this a fair assessment from Kevin: “Everton are going to beat Bournemouth, surely? You don’t deserve to stay up if you can’t beat them at home now they’re safe. What Leeds and Leicester do is moot now.”
90 min: Leeds have a corner and it comes to Summerville but Coufal blocks. There are seven minutes added here, plenty of time for another goal!
90 min: Emerson does well to stop a cross coming to Gnonto and West Ham counter. They get into the box and it falls to Ings, he takes one too many touches and Robles is able to get to it.
89 min: Koch receives a yellow card for a challenge and time is slowly running out for Leeds here.
88 min: Rodrigo’s shot is deflected behind for a corner! Can they get an equaliser? Not yet, Fabianski punches the threat away.
87 min: Ayling is visibly frustrated here, he is creating a lot for his side but it just isn’t coming off. Mary has emailed and said: “Everton fan sweating out relegation. Big Sam is everyone’s favourite punching bag but even though his style of Football is painfully dull there is a reason that teams reach out to him when they are in trouble.” It seems it will come down to the last day to see if Allardyce can save them!
85 min: West Ham make another change as Bowen comes off for Lanzini. And Leeds make more changes as they try and get the win here – Greenwood and Roca are on. Summerville and Aaronson have two punts at goal but they don’t come off.
83 min: Emerson takes the free kick and is it headed on but Robles collects.
83 min: Fornals makes a great run and his cross almost find Bowen. It comes to Rice more than 60 yards out and the West Ham supporters shout ‘shoot’ but the captain doesn’t bite. Rodrigo challenges Emerson and gets a yellow for it, a free kick in a great position.
81 min: Ogbonna is okay to continue and we are back underway.
80 min: A foul comes in on Ogbonna and Summerville gets a yellow for the challenge. Ogbonna needs some treatment so there is a break in play.
79 min: Ayling puts in a peach of a cross but none of his teammates make an attempt to score, Ayling puts his hands in the air with frustration. And here come West Ham once again, Kristensen comes to the rescue again. Another Hammers goal and this game is done.
77 min: Leeds have a chance as Summerville has it in the box but it gets stuck under his feet, it comes back out but the ball is over the bar. They need to produce something and something quickly.
76 min: Leeds supporters silenced, fans’ hands on their heads, they need to get behind the club now more than ever! Bowen makes a great run again and lays it off to Rice who passes to Fornals – his shot is skied after a great tackle from Ayling.
Updated
75 min: And instead of Leeds coming to life to try and save something from this, it is West Ham who keep coming. This time Bowen is ruled offside but this does not look good for Leeds.
74 min: Boos ring around the London Stadium as it takes a while to decide but the goal stands! Allardyce looks fuming, he pops a chewing gum in his mouth as his team currently coming away with this with no points.
GOAL! West Ham 2-1 Leeds (Bowen, 72')
Oh my god, it is in by a whisker! It think this may be checked for offside, Ings lays it off to Bowen who scores. Leeds players arms in the air as they think he is offside.
Updated
72 min: West Ham are continuing their second half domination here and Frank has got in touch about our snack chat: “We do in fact have sunchips in the UK. They’re what we call sunbites. A personal favourite of mine.” There we go!
70 min: Fornals makes a great pass to find Ings in the box, he can’t quite get a shot away. It pings around West Ham players until Kristensen intercepts and clears.
69 min: Soucek is okay to continue but his nose looks battered. We are back in action.
68 min: The break continues as Soucek is checked over. A reminder Leeds are still in the relegation zone if this result stays as it is.
67 min: Paqueta gets a yellow card for a foul on Summerville. Soucek is down as he gets an accidental hit to the face in an aerial challenge, he is receiving treatment so there is a break in play.
65 min: Allardyce is screaming at his players to get in the box, the corner comes in and Fabianksi catches. The keeper sets them off on a counter and Summerville does really well to get back to close down Bowen’s cross. West Ham corner now is cleared away. All action!
64 min: Gnonto throws his hands in the air as he thinks Paqueta has hand balled and play continues but the referee does pull it back. McKennie’s long throw in is called upon again. It comes in and Soucek heads away for a corner!
63 min: Leeds are making changes with Harrison off for Summerville and Forshaw is off for Aaronson. I thought Harrison was having a good game, key in some of the chances.
61 min: What a save from Robles! Bowen smacks it in and Coufal has a head to it but Robles hooks it out for another corner. Emerson takes this one but it is cleared.
61 min: Robert has got in touch and said: “Leeds fan here. Three coffees in one day is fine. I’m in my third pint during this game. I recommend beer instead.” Maybe I’ll make another coffee shortly then, no beer for me as I’m on the clock! West Ham have a corner to come.
Updated
60 min: West Ham counter and they get it in the box, Ings spins to take the shot but it is blocked! The hosts so close to taking the lead there. Bowen then makes a run and takes a shot but Robles saves – the offside flag is raised regardless.
58 min: A miscommunication in the Leeds team sees a chance go begging as Harrison crosses in. Gnonto was making a great run but McKennie heads it first, a wasted chance!
58 min: Emerson is fouled and West Ham have a free kick, it is a long way out so they would have to build from deep. They take it short and in the end Kristensen does enough to disrupt the chance – he has been a crucial player for the visitors today.
56 min: Forshaw tries to clear but his pass only gives West Ham a good throw in opportunity. It sets up a good attack but Kristensen dispossess Ings. Is it too much to have three coffees in one day? I’m deliberating.
55 min: Paqueta finds Soucek but his cross isn’t found by a West Ham player. The hosts being given too much space and time on the ball now, they feel in total control.
54 min: Rodrigo makes a run and has a one-on-one chance but Fabianski saves – the offside flag is then raised. West Ham with sustained possession again, they are playing well here – Leeds not really having a good footing in this second half yet.
52 min: The foul from Gnonto sees a free kick that Bowen takes. It’s cleared initially but it comes to Paqueta whose shot is well saved by Robles.
51 min: Gnonto fouls Coufal this time, he needs to be careful – that is three successive fouls now.
50 min: Stuijk gifts a free kick in a good position for West Ham and this could set up a scoreable opportunity. Bowen takes it but Struijk heads away, quelling the threat he created. Gnonto is judged to have nudged a West Ham player, the Leeds fans not happy with the call.
Updated
48 min: Kristensen intercepts a ball meant for Ings, the defender has had a good game so far. Ayling fins Gnoto on the edge of the box but he can’t control. Gnoto then gives away possession with a foul on Bowen.
47 min: Sinclair the latest to have a take on Big Sam: “In the Bolton era, I remember his Bigness had, to my mind, constructed the most cosmopolitan of teams, a great shape that pulled the strengths out of an incredibly disparate group, and Sam knew enough to leave them space to play. It’s as if he hasn’t trusted the level of the teams he’s had since?” Back to the game and both sides are settling into this second half.
Back underway! West Ham 1-1 Leeds
We are back underway at the London Stadium. Can Leeds find their important winner? Or will West Ham seal victory on their last home game of the season? All action to come over the next 45. West Ham have made a half time change, Zouma is off for Kehrer.
Updated
To keep you up to date on the WSL action if you are interested, Chelsea have beaten Arsenal 2-0. If Manchester United lose to Manchester City later today Chelsea will win their fourth successive trophy.
Joe has got in touch and he is confused by my snack choice. He said: “Just catching up with the MBM after the morning dog walk. I’m sure it’s just a question of two countries separated by a common language, but what on earth are Wheat Crunchies!? Are they something like Sun Chips? Do you have those over there?!” Wheat crunchies are a crisp, hard tubes that taste like bacon. We also don’t have Sun Chips I don’t think.
Here are the goals so far:
WHAT A GOAL! 🚀🚀🚀
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 21, 2023
Rodrigo fires Leeds ahead with this brilliant strike ⚪ pic.twitter.com/OtV2ntgtFe
Captain Fantastic ©️
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 21, 2023
Declan Rice levels it up for West Ham ⚒️ pic.twitter.com/c9Z5Ig91Z1
I haven’t heard Ings’ name mentioned once and other people are noticing the same thing! Brian has said: “I think the Danny Ings heat map for that half needs a woolly hat, scarf and mittens.”
Ron has tweeted and said: “Was Martin saying that he was a bad manager or just a bad choice *for Everton*? Distinction is relevant to this Spurs fan, because Conte - clearly an outstanding manager - proved to be the wrong choice *for us*.” I think you are right there, I misinterpreted his message. Definitely meant the worst manager for Everton, apologies all!
Half-time: West Ham 1-1 Leeds
Leeds saw survival on the horizon after Rodrigo found the back of the net but Rice cancelled it out before the break. All to play for in the second 45.
Updated
45 + 4 min: Oh my word how have Leeds not scored? Rodrigo steals the ball from Zouma and he lays it off to Gnoto who isn’t clinical and Harrison can’t finish it either!
45 + 3 min: It comes in and Koch has a head to it but Fabianski saves.
45 + 3 min: Leeds have a corner!
45 + 2 min: Leeds are still impressing as the first half clocks down, can they find a winner ahead of half-time? Kev aka Sid ha emailed and said: “Everton season ticket holder since 1974. Sam isn’t a bad manager but the style of football he coaches is turgid, monotonous, yawn inducing and dire. I went 4 games under Sam with 1 (one!) attempt on goal. Saying that, he kept us up - but I was always under the impression that football was part of the entertainment industry. If I paid £60 week to watch Shakespeare - I’d expect the actors not to mumble and play it safe with 11 of the cast behind the scenery in case they fell off the stage.” Keep the Big Sam opinions coming.
Updated
45 min: Leeds are still having promising play but they are missing the final touch. There will be four minutes added.
44 min: This has been a really good spell for Leeds but they haven’t been able to fire themselves ahead again, yet. They come again and Ayling crosses but Fabianski collects.
43 min: Leeds get it into the box but Ogbonna clears. They come again and Ayling crosses it in but Ogbonna saves West Ham once again.
41 min: Bowen takes it but Rodrigo heads away, well handled by Leeds there.
41 min: Lovely bit of play from Koch with a one-two touch in the box but West Ham swarm the threat initially. It comes back to Harrison who puts it into the box but Gnoto can’t get a shot away. West Ham counter and Fornals gets a shot but Robels saves! Corner to come.
39 min: Leeds having some good build-up play here, Harrison with good feet on the edge of the box and Forshaw gets it in but it’s cleared.
37 min: West Ham are now all over Leeds, shot after shot coming in. Leeds’ dominance has completely shrunk after the equaliser. Roger has emailed and said: “Just finished a bag of Jalapeno and Cheddar Quinoa Chips ! Seems a fitting snack for a Leeds supporter this season - I truly don’t know what is going on.” A lot of jalapeno fans reading!
36 min: McKennie’s long throw in is called upon once again but it doesn’t go to plan as West Ham pounce. Fornals gets in a great position but his shot is massively wide, Kristensen with a great block.
34 min: Confirmed, Bamford is off with a suspected hamstring injury. Gnoto is on for the number nine – a blow for Leeds as Bamford had a really good game.
34 min: It’s Rice’s best scoring record in the Premier League with that goal his fourth. Bamford looks in trouble here, he has been struggling for a while. It looks like they may be subbing him.
33 min: With that goal, Leeds slide back into relegation as things stand. Allardyce on his feet giving instructions to his players here. West Ham have built into this one nicely.
GOAL! West Ham 1-1 Leeds (Rice, 32')
West Ham being patient in their build-up after a sustained period on top. Fornals gets into the box but Leeds’ defence comes good once more. Bowen crosses in again though and Rice gets to it and it’s in!
Updated
30 min: West Ham are really going for it to find the equaliser here, they have momentum and they are taking it to Leeds. Martin has emailed and said: “As an Everton supporter it feels very cruel that we could be going down because our best PL era manager (Moyes) can’t beat one of our worst (Big Sam). Bleak!” I wouldn’t say Allardyce is a bad manager, anyone else agree?
28 min: Bowen has it in and the ball is scrambled! It comes out to Rice who takes a shot but Ayling blocks. The ball is out for another corner, it comes in and it’s scrambled again! Nervous moments for Leeds and Robles just does enough to keep it out.
27 min: Allardyce has just found a £5 note on the floor and given it back to the assistant with a chuckle, his mood much brighter with his side in front! West Ham have another corner and Bowen will take it. It comes in and Bamford heads away for another corner.
Updated
26 min: West Ham supporters shout ‘shoot’ when Rice has the ball at his feet outside the area, he takes the encouragement but it rockets over the bar. Emerson has been winded after a ball from Ayling hits him in the chest but he is okay to continue.
24 min: Bamford is down clutching his head after a foul from Zouma, he is okay to continue but he looks frustrated as the referee doesn’t give a free kick.
22 min: Ayling has a shot on target once again but this time Fabianski collects well. Tenkaykev has emailed and said: “Hoping for a Leeds win today, grandson is a Leeds supporter. On the topic of snacks, I recently rediscovered ‘Nice’n Spicy’ Nik Naks. A real trip down memory lane. They also make the most awesome topping for macaroni cheese if you run a rolling pin over the bags before sprinkling the contents, mixed with grated cheese, over the top.” I am definitely trying this now, that sounds delicious!
21 min: Bowen sends it in but no West Ham player can get a clear touch on the ball.
20 min: Leeds supporters are now in full voice and West Ham fans are trying to drown them out. A great atmosphereas West Ham come forward and Kristensen boots it into the heavens to clear. First corner to come.
18 min: A great moment for Leeds! As things stand they are out of the relegation zone. Tom has emailed and said: “On a Leeds theme, penny for the thoughts of Kalvin Phillips this morning? I felt fairly sorry for him receiving the lowest rating of anyone in the City squad reading Jamie Jackson’s rankings article this morning (but not sure you can argue with that assessment). Can also contrast with how Declan Rice’s stock has just continued to go in the opposite direction since they played together so successfully in midfield at the last Euros.” Phillips has had to deal with a long-term injury and then battle for a position in a Man City team littered with stars.
GOAL! West Ham 0-1 Leeds (Rodrigo, 17')
What a screamer! A throw in comes into the box and Rodrigo has a one-touch finish. Allardyce’s arms into the air and fist pumps to boot. Huge moment.
Updated
16 min: McKennie gets it up to the box but it is cleared. Bowen is now down after he is clipped by Ayling. He is okay to continue and action is back underway.
15 min: Justin has got in touch and said: “When you’re down to your last two drinks in the Last Chance Saloon, it’s probably best to be sharing your peanuts with a character called Big Sam. Even if you know he’s only with you For a Few Dollars More. But one thing we know: Today and next Saturday, we’re going to see The Good, the Bad and the Ugly from Leeds. Enjoy your spaghetti, Sarah!” Very well put! I’m on the crisps at the moment but you may have inspired my dinner now! Back to the football and McKennie does well to rob Soucek.
14 min: Harrison had a chance to cross it in but West Ham do well to swarm him to prevent it. They do have a throw in though but Rice heads away. Leeds do need to convert their chances, they may not continue throughout the match.
12 min: Ayling has a shot but Fabianski again collects. Kevin has emailed and said: “Opportunity missed by Moyes- going with Ings when he could have started with Mubama.” I think he’s resting some players after the semi-final, a lot of people shocked Moyes didn’t make more changes before this one.
11 min: A great run and cross from Bowen comes in but Leeds clear – that was a great chance. West Ham are building in this one.
10 min: Another shot rains down on the West Ham goal but Fabianski calmly collects again, Leeds peppering the West Ham defence but they haven’t been clinical enough to see the result so far. West Ham counter and Koch makes a great block to deny them. Rice gets into the box but his pass doesn’t find a teammate.
Updated
8 min: Ayling crosses it in but Ogbonna clears. McKennie’s throw in is into the box but it’s cleared. Harrison leads Leeds’ attack once more and it comes back to him in the box but his shot is straight at Fabianski.
7 min: Fornals tries to find Bowen but McKennie intercepts the ball – the West Ham supporters were in full voice then! Bamford makes a great touch and run but his resulting pass is cleared by West Ham. A really good start from Bamford.
5 min: The Hammers have had a sustained period on the ball but they lose it in the midfield. Leeds boot it upfield and Bamford takes a good touch, he squares it to Rodrigo but his touch is too heavy! He would have had a clear shot on target if he controlled that. Leeds showing some hints of good play here.
4 min: The West Ham crowd have not stopped singing since the players have come out, they are still celebrating that semi-final win. Bamford, who has had to deal with a lot of abuse after his missed penalty last weekend, makes a great run but his last touch is too heavy and West Ham counter. They manage to get it on the edge of the box but Leeds clear.
2 min: The ball is in the box early for Leeds but it doesn’t quite reach Harrison and West Ham quell the danger. Leeds bang up for this, they know what a win could mean to their survival hopes.
Kick-off! West Ham 0-0 Leeds
Can Leeds bag some valuable points? Or will West Ham deal them another blow to their survival hopes? We will find out soon.
The players are out and Declan Rice leads West Ham carrying his son. Just a few minutes to go now!
David Crowther has emailed to get in on the snack chat and it’s an interesting choice: “I’ve just ‘enjoyed’ a corned beef sandwich with mustard and jalapeños. I’ll let you know when and if my eyeballs return.”
When the reverse fixture was played between West Ham and Leeds it ended in a 2-2 draw. It was a close encounter with the score 1-1 at half-time, fans can expect more of the same this afternoon.
Ezra has emailed and said: “As a Leeds United fan and tragic, I can guarantee all the neutrals that there will be goals, and plenty of them.” I’m guessing you mean West Ham goals? I’m hoping for a close encounter as the reverse fixture was earlier this season…
Eric Peterson has got in touch via email and said: “This Toffee spent a few of this past overnight’s sleepless moments pondering David Moyes’ achievements in the service of Everton Football Club. A win today over the Damned United would be a worthy addition to that list, regardless of the club logo at the top of the sheet of paper upon which is written the terms of his current contract.” I can’t imagine Moyes helping Everton stay up is on his mind but there is not doubt about the facts, if West Ham win today it does help Everton slightly – they could still be relegated on the final day of the season regardless of today’s result.
A special day for Declan Rice as six years ago he made his West Ham senior debut. Today could be his last game at the London Stadium with rumours he is heading to Arsenal in the summer.
#OnThisDay in 2017, an Academy of Football graduate made his senior debut for the Club... ⚒️#WHUFC | @Heineken_UK pic.twitter.com/N1fotraG4b
— West Ham United (@WestHam) May 21, 2023
If you want to catch up on West Ham’s semi-final win to reach the Europa Conference League final, have a read of the report:
If you have read one of my blogs before you’ll know I love a bit of snack chat. I am on the crisps today, specifically wheat crunchies, let me know what you’ve gone for via email or Twitter. You can also let me know your thoughts on the relegation battle.
It is also a crucial weekend in the Women’s Super League. If Chelsea defeat Arsenal and Manchester United lose to Manchester City, Chelsea will secure the WSL for the fourth successive season. Chelsea are currently leading Arsenal 1-0 after kicking off at 12.30. At the other end of the table, if Leicester City win today then Reading will be relegated. Have a read of what this weekend means:
Leeds manager Sam Allardyce said ahead of the game: “We have to deliver a three-point scenario to try to save our Premier League status. [We need to] fight to the end, but fight with the right temperament and have the right amount of control - and certainly don’t lose the game plan.”
Moyes has also said: “We’ve maybe not had the season we all hoped for but we always wanted to have a good run in one of the cup competitions and if you chose one to go well in it would certainly be this one. We’ve adapted as best we can without Mark [Noble]. He’s a big miss. We are seeing some players step up but we are also seeing some who we think can do more. We will look to improve it again next season. It’s very difficult to get a replacement on Mark Noble, that is something that’s very hard.”
On Sky Sports just now West Ham manager David Moyes said if someone had given them this table position, where they are safe from relegation, a few weeks ago he would have “shaken your hand and said thank you very much”.
Updated
The winner of the 22/23 Premier League trophy was confirmed yesterday as Arsenal lost to Nottingham Forest, handing the crown to Manchester City. It is the third time in a row Pep Guardiola’s side have won the domestic title. Have a read of how City’s players fared this campaign:
So how does it look at the bottom of the table? Everton are 17th after 37 games with 33 points and a goal difference of -25, Leeds are 18th after 36 games with 31 points and a goal difference of -24 and Leicester City are 19th after 36 games with 30 points and a goal difference of -18. Southampton are 20th and have had relegation already confirmed.
The team news is here! West Ham have made six changes to their starting 11 who won their Europa Conference League semi-final. Areola, Kehrer, Aguerd, Cresswell, Benrahma and Antonio all drop out of the team.
West Ham: Fabianski, Coufal, Zouma, Ogbonna, Emerson, Soucek, Rice, Bowen, Paqueta, Fornals, Ings
Subs: Areola, Antonio, Benrahma, Cornet, Cresswell, Mubama, Johnson, Kehrer, Lanzini
Your Hammers to take on Leeds! ⚒️ pic.twitter.com/91Dc0PwQPR
— West Ham United (@WestHam) May 21, 2023
Leeds, meanwhile, have made two changes from their 2-2 draw with Newcastle last weekend. Firpo and Greenwood are out with Struijk and Forshaw coming in.
Leeds: Robles, Ayling, Kristensen, Struijk, Wober, Koch, Forshaw, McKennie, Harrison, Rodrigo, Bamford.
Subs: Meslier, Cooper, Mullen, Roca, Greenwood, Summerville, Aaronson, Georgino, Gnoto
📋 Your #LUFC Starting XI… pic.twitter.com/ALktPtuYOw
— Leeds United (@LUFC) May 21, 2023
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Preamble
Hello and welcome to West Ham v Leeds which could have ramifications for the Premier League relegation battle. Nottingham Forest secured their spot in the top flight yesterday which means three teams are fighting for the last safety spot: Leeds, Everton and Leicester City.
Leeds are currently in the relegation zone but they are just two points and two goals (for goal difference) from safety. A win over West Ham this afternoon would get them out of the red zone for now ahead of the final Premier League round next weekend. A win would not secure safety for the club though.
Leeds will have to overcome West Ham, who are heading into this match after securing a spot in the Europa Conference League final. The Hammers also have home advantage at the London Stadium and so while David Moyes’ league form has not been on the money this season – they are only six points ahead of Leeds – they will be favourites to come away with the win.
But thoughts come in from last season where Leeds were facing the drop and they managed to rescue themselves in the nick of time. It will be a tense encounter and one that should have fans on the edge of their seats. Team news will be out shortly so stay tuned for updates ahead of kick-off at 1.30pm BST.
