Leeds United Predicted Lineups vs West Ham for October 24

Leeds United’s campaign continues with what already looks like a relegation six-pointer as they take on a struggling West Ham at Elland Road. The Whites suffered a miserable 2-0 defeat at the hands of fellow promoted side Burnley last time out, and Daniel Farke will be desperate for his team to bounce back in style.

Leeds United Predicted Lineup for Relegation Six-Pointer vs West Ham

How Leeds Have Lined Up Recently

Despite first-choice keeper Lucas Perri returning from injury, Karl Darlow retained his spot in the Leeds goal at Turf Moor, so it remains to be seen whether the Brazilian will now be restored to the starting lineup. Question marks are also starting to appear over Farke’s preferred centre-back duo of Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon, who have now conceded six goals in their last three games.

At full-back, Jayden Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson have both been impressive, with Bogle in particular having to take on more and more attacking responsibility as Leeds battle an injury crisis up front. In midfield, Ethan Ampadu, Sean Longstaff, and Anton Stach have now started the last five games, with last season’s star man Ao Tanaka currently reduced to substitute appearances.

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Out wide, injuries have decimated Leeds’ options, leaving the somewhat unwieldy duo of Jack Harrison and Brenden Aaronson as the club’s only two fit wingers, and neither enjoyed a successful outing against the Clarets. With the likes of Noah Okafor and Daniel James pushing for fitness, Farke will be desperate to call on some genuine pace and creativity against the Hammers.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has now gone three games without a goal since opening his Leeds account against Wolves on September 20. A home clash against a West Ham side who have let in 18 goals already this season could prove to be the perfect opportunity for the England striker to get back on the scoresheet. 

Leeds Recent Form and Tactics

One area in which Leeds are increasingly struggling is their ability to take the goalscoring opportunities they create. The Whites have created an impressive 17 big chances so far this season, but have only converted three of them, giving them the worst big-chance conversion rate in the league. 

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The aforementioned Calvert-Lewin has missed five big chances himself, and a lack of cutting edge is already causing the team to miss out on much-needed points. Against Burnley, for example, they had 14 shots to the home side’s three, yet failed to score and conceded two. The Clarets simply took their chances whilst Farke’s side continually spurned them, and this is a trend that they will be desperate to end against the Hammers.

Leeds Absences to Consider

Wingers Okafor and Willy Gnonto are both reportedly facing late fitness tests to judge if they can be involved, with neither yet deemed fit enough to return to full team training this week. Farke said Swiss international Okafor playing some part was “a bit more realistic” than Gnonto making his long-awaited return.

Leeds fans will also be concerned by reports of illness for both captain Ampadu and key defender Struijk, who would be huge losses if unable to feature. 

Leeds United Predicted Lineup

GK: Lucas Perri 

RB: Jayden Bogle

CB: Joe Rodon

CB: Jaka Bijol

LB: Gabriel Gudmundsson 

CM: Sean Longstaff

CM: Ao Tanaka

CM: Anton Stach

RW: Daniel James

LW: Jack Harrison

ST: Dominic Calvert-Lewin

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