LEEDS UNITED will be hoping there's a European hangover from West Ham United as they bid to secure three precious points in their Premier League survival mission at London Stadium.
With just two games to go, Sam Allardyce will need to defy the odds to pull off another great escape, with his Leeds side stuck in the bottom three. But all hope is not yet lost as they head into the weekend just one point behind Everton and three adrift of Nottingham Forest.
Allardyce seems to have energised the squad since replacing the doomed Javi Gracia, with a battling 2-1 loss at Manchester City followed by a 2-2 draw at home to high-flying Newcastle.
And this could be a good time to face the Hammers, who will have been drained by the second leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final in Alkmaar on Thursday night.
David Moyes' side still aren't mathematically safe themselves as they sit just six points ahead of Leeds. But their goal difference is nine better so even if West Ham lose their final two games they will probably still avoid the drop.
A defeat in this game could make them sweat going into the final round of games though so Moyes will be desperate to get the result he needs to rubber-stamp Premier League football for another season.
West Ham have won their last two at home against Manchester United and Alkmaar so they should have enough quality to get a point at least, provided there's no drop in energy levels after the big game in Europe.
How the bookies view it
West Ham United are the favourites with home advantage and their best price is 17/12 at VBet. Leeds United are 2/1 with Betfred while the draw pays 27/10 at BetUK.
Recent head to head
There has been nothing between these sides in recent years, with the last 12 meetings producing four victories apiece and four draws. It was a 2-2 stalemate when West Ham came to Elland Road earlier this season while Leeds won 3-2 on their last visit to London Stadium.
Players to watch
This could be Declan Rice's final home game for West Ham United with the England midfielder likely to move on in the summer. He will want to sign off in style and the captain is 17/2 at Paddy Power for anytime scorer.
Patrick Bamford has started up front in both of Allardyce's games in charge and should lead the line again. He has two goals in his last six games and is 5/2 with William Hill for another strike here.
Anything else catch the eye?
Allardyce is regarded as an arch pragmatist but we've seen plenty of goals in his first two games at the helm with Leeds United. They need to go for it with just two games left so I like over 2.5 goals although the odds aren't great at a best 9/11 with VBet.
Both these sides score a lot of goals from set-pieces and that makes corners another good option. Unibet price over 10.5 corners at 21/20 while the same firm offer evens on over 4.5 Leeds corners.
Slips Tips went for a card bet in Leeds' last match but unfortunately Dan Burn wasn't one of the six players who went into the referee's book. Five cards were dished out to Leeds players, including two yellows for Junior Firpo, and Allardyce's side will be fighting for their lives again here. That makes over 2.5 Leeds cards a great option at 6/5 with Bet365 while Unibet offer 17/20 on Allardyce's men picking up most cards. I also like over 11.5 Leeds fouls at 21/20 with Unibet.
This English Premier League match between West Ham United and Leeds United will be played on May 21, 2023 and kick off at 13:30. Check below for our tipsters best West Ham United vs Leeds United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
