Leeds seeking end to back-to-back defeats in West Ham clash.
Leeds United vs. West Ham United F.C. begins at 20:00 [GMT+1] on Friday, October 24, at Elland Road.
Leeds United [LWDLL] continue their search for consistency on their return to the Premier League, having picked up just eight points from their opening eight matches [2W, 2D, 4L]. That tally leaves Daniel Farke’s men hovering just three points above the relegation zone, with their recent 2-0 defeat to Burnley exposing familiar issues in front of goal. The Whites have managed only seven league strikes so far, and their lack of clinical edge has placed added pressure on a defence still adapting to the top-flight tempo. Leeds’ home form, so often a source of strength, has wobbled of late. Their 2-1 loss to Tottenham in their last outing at Elland Road ended a remarkable 23-game unbeaten league run on home soil [18W, 5D, 0L]. They now risk losing consecutive home league matches for the first time since May 2024. Farke will be hoping his side can rediscover the intensity that earned them a 1-0 victory over Everton on the opening weekend, which remains their only home success this season. Historically, the Whites have dominated this fixture at home, winning eight of nine league meetings against West Ham between 1996 and 2005, but they are winless in their last four at Elland Road against the Londoners [0W, 2D, 2L]. Brenden Aaronson and Jack Harrison are expected to flank Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the attack of a 4—2—3—1 formation. However, the hosts’ options remain limited by injuries, as Harry Grey is ruled out and both Wilfried Gnonto and Noah Okafor are fitness doubts.
West Ham arrive in Yorkshire sitting 19th after a torrid start that has seen them collect just four points [1W, 1D, 6L]—their worst opening to a Premier League campaign. Nuno Espírito Santo’s side fell 2-0 to Brentford on Monday and are now winless in five league matches [LLDLL]. The Hammers’ only league victory came away from home, and all four of their points this season have been earned on the road [1W, 1D, 2L], offering a small glimmer of encouragement. Despite recent struggles, the Irons have a strong record against Leeds, winning four of their last six league meetings [4W, 1D, 1L]—as many as in their previous 37 [4W, 12D, 21L]. Nuno’s challenge is compounded by injuries to George Earthy and doubts surrounding Niclas Füllkrug, but the visitors will take confidence from their improving away displays as they look to spark their season into life. Lucas Paquetá may start upfront in a 4—2—3—1 setup.