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Leeds logo
Premier League | Gameweek 12
Dec 11, 2020 at 8pm UK
Elland Road
West Ham logo

Leeds
1 - 2
West Ham

Klich (6' pen.)
Alioski (33')
FT(HT: 1-1)
Soucek (25'), Ogbonna (80')
Fabianski (3'), Noble (90+1')

Preview: Leeds United vs. West Ham United - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Friday's Premier League clash between Leeds United and West Ham United, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

West Ham United square off against Leeds United on Friday evening looking to strengthen their position in the top half of the Premier League standings.

The home side, who are in 14th place, head into the contest at Elland Road sitting just three points adrift of their opponents.


Match preview

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa pictured on November 7, 2020© Reuters

You will struggle to find many people who have not been impressed by Leeds this season, particularly in fixtures against the bigger clubs in the top flight.

However, a 14-point haul from 11 matches would have been regarded as the bare minimum after the level of investment during the summer, and it leaves Marcelo Bielsa having to demand further improvement.

One win and three defeats have been recorded from their last five outings, the most recent setback coming after taking an early lead against Chelsea on Saturday evening.

There was no shame in eventually losing out to one of the form teams in European football, but Leeds would have been disappointed to have not earned at least a share of the spoils at Stamford Bridge.

While Patrick Bamford continued his excellent scoring record for the campaign in West London, Leeds must find a solution to their inconsistent backline now that Robin Koch has been ruled out in the long term with a knee injury.

From West Ham's perspective, David Moyes would have required a few days to get over the defeat to Manchester United, one which occurred after their opponents netted an equaliser which should have been ruled out.

Although all clubs will feel aggrieved at some point throughout the season, Moyes will be frustrated that an opportunity to extend the club's winning streak to four matches was squandered.

The result could have been different had the Hammers showed more of a ruthless streak during the opening 45 minutes at the London Stadium, something which has been missing in the final third for four matches.

With Leeds possessing the third-worst defensive record in the division, Moyes's side should not be short of chances to redeem themselves in that area of the pitch.

That said, after being fortunate to edge out Aston Villa and conceding three quick goals to United, more focus arguably needs to be placed on keeping things tight at the back.

Leeds United Premier League form: WLLDWL

West Ham United Premier League form: DLWWWL



Team News

West Ham United manager David Moyes pictured on June 20, 2020© Reuters

Moyes may finally give a start to summer signing Said Benrahma, who could replace Pablo Fornals in the final third.

With Michail Antonio continuing to struggle with a hamstring injury, Sebastien Haller is expected to remain in the starting lineup.

Bielsa made the decision to name his starting lineup in Wednesday's press conference, revealing that Luke Ayling would feature at centre-back and Rodrigo Moreno in a creative role further forward.

As well as Koch being ruled out until next year, fellow defender Diego Llorente will be sidelined for at least two weeks.

Leeds United possible starting lineup:
Meslier; Dallas, Ayling, Cooper, Alioski; Phillips; Raphinha, Klich, Rodrigo, Harrison; Bamford

West Ham United possible starting lineup:
Fabianski; Balbuena, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Coufal, Rice, Soucek, Masuaku; Bowen, Haller, Benrahma


SM words green background

We say: Leeds United 2-1 West Ham United

Given the circumstances of their defeat against Man United, West Ham will be motivated to shake off that frustration at the earliest opportunity. However, Leeds will fancy their chances in this contest, and we feel that the home side will edge an entertaining encounter by the odd goal in three.


Top betting tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting a double chance bet on a home win or an away win in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Home/Away:data



Video prediction

Watch the Sports Mole Football Shorts prediction for this game below:



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Data Analysis

Our analysis of all available data, including recent performances and player stats up until an hour before kickoff, suggested the most likely outcome of this match was a Leeds United win with a probability of 48.6%. A win for West Ham United had a probability of 27.58% and a draw had a probability of 23.8%.

The most likely scoreline for a Leeds United win was 2-1 with a probability of 9.5%. The next most likely scorelines for that outcome were 1-0 (9.03%) and 2-0 (7.72%). The likeliest West Ham United win was 1-2 (6.85%), while for a drawn scoreline it was 1-1 (11.12%). The actual scoreline of 1-2 was predicted with a 6.8% likelihood.


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Game History

How you voted: Leeds vs West Ham

Leeds United
53.0%
Draw
18.9%
West Ham United
28.1%
477
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Leeds United defender Robin Koch in action against Wolverhampton Wanderers's Daniel Podence on October 19, 2020
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1Sunderland1594225111431
2Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd1510321971231
3Leeds UnitedLeeds158522491529
4Burnley157621861227
5West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom15672169725
6Watford158162322125
7Middlesbrough157352317624
8Millwall156541813523
9Blackburn RoversBlackburn156451917222
10Bristol City155732019122
11Swansea CitySwansea155461110119
12Derby CountyDerby155461919019
13Stoke CityStoke155461819-119
14Norwich CityNorwich154652322118
15Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds155371725-818
16Oxford UnitedOxford Utd154561718-117
17Coventry CityCoventry154472021-116
18Plymouth ArgylePlymouth154471526-1116
19Hull City153661620-415
20Preston North EndPreston153661523-815
21Luton TownLuton154381726-915
22Cardiff CityCardiff154381423-915
23Portsmouth152671628-1212
24Queens Park RangersQPR151771225-1310


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