please log in to view this image Leeds United vs West Ham United Friday 24th October@20:00 | Elland Road Leeds welcome West Ham United to Elland Road on Friday evening in a clash that both sides will see as a must-win. Leeds have managed just one victory in their last eight outings across all competitions, while Nuno Espírito Santo continues to search for his first win since taking charge of the Hammers. The stakes are high, and with both teams struggling for form, this encounter promises a tense atmosphere. Historically, Leeds once held the upper hand in this fixture, winning eight of nine home league meetings with West Ham between 1996 and 2005. However, fortunes have shifted in recent years—Leeds are now winless in their last four Elland Road encounters with the London club (two draws, two defeats). This time around, the home side’s attacking statistics tell the story of frustration: they average 13 shots per game—the highest figure for a promoted side since Leeds themselves in 2020–21—yet their conversion rate of just 6.7% marks their worst efficiency in a decade. Injury and illness continue to influence Daniel Farke’s team selection. Willy Gnonto remains doubtful after hernia surgery but has returned to training this week, as has Noah Okafor who still has groin issue. Ethan Ampadu and Pascal Struijk both missed training through illness and will undergo late fitness tests. Harry Gray is back in team sessions following a hip problem. First-choice goalkeeper Lucas Perri should be ready to start, and Dan James could also feature from the outset. Supporters are eager to see summer signing Jaka Bijol handed his Premier League debut, while Ao Tanaka’s creativity may prove valuable in midfield. For West Ham, Nuno Espírito Santo faces additional challenges with Konstantinos Mavropanos joining Niclas Fullkrug on the injury list after limping off against Brentford. Youngster George Earthy remains unavailable due to a long-term hamstring issue. This fixture also marks Crysencio Summerville’s first return to Elland Road since his £26 million move, adding a personal subplot to the evening. With both sides desperate to turn their seasons around, Friday’s clash under the lights could define their momentum heading into the winter schedule
This is the right fixture to start Bijol, return Perri in goal and bring Tanaka into midfield ... James needs to start ahead of Brendy as well
