After faltering in the previous month, West Ham United have regathered their form in the Premier League, picking up wins in their previous two games and they will be looking to take this form into the FA Cup.
The Hammers take on Leeds United in the third round of the tournament and given the inconsistent form that Leeds have shown this season, David Moyes’ side will go into this match as the clear favourites.
West Ham’s last league match was on Saturday meaning the London side have gotten a week-long rest before this 3rd round game but they have re-arranged PL game next week so Moyes will look to rest some regular first-team players on Sunday.
Moyes’ side haven’t kept a clean sheet in 5 of their last 7 matches in the FA Cup but Leeds are one step down, having failed to win their previous five matches in this very same competition. Bielsa’s side have been blowing hot and cold throughout this season so it’s really hard to foreshadow how his side will perform this weekend. West Ham United should move into the next round without any major issues but their league clash vs Norwich just three days later could play a facet in Moyes’ team and tactical selection.
Hammers team news vs Leeds United:
Areola should be substituting Fabianski in front of goal and the backline should see some necessary changes, just to keep the players fresh and injury-free.
Kurt Zouma is still on the sidelines and is not expected to be fit for the Leeds United game while Ogbonna is out for the remainder of the season. Dawson and Diop played in central defence vs Palace but this weekend 20-year-old Ajibola Alese is likely to come into the starting line up.
Aaron Cresswell is another defender who is doubtful for this FA Cup fixture meaning Ben Johnson will hold onto his place at right-back.
Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek will most certainly be rested against Leeds United meaning Mark Noble and Alex Kral could line up in central midfield on Sunday.
Lanzini was the star of the show against Crystal Palace but he will start on the bench this time around so that Nikola Vlasic gets to get some game time as the No 10.
Bowen and Benrahma will also be rested and they will likely be replaced by Masuaku and Yarmolenko. The West Ham manager is really short on centre-forward options so if Michail Antonio is rested then Jarrod Bowen could be the one who leads the line.
West Ham United predicted line up vs Leeds United:
Predicted Starting Line-up(4-2-3-1): Areola; Ben Johnson, Dawson, Alese, Fredericks; Mark Noble, Kral; Masuaku, Vlasic, Yarmolenko; Bowen/Antonio.
Stats via Fotmob.
