Legendary former England striker has predicted whether Leeds United can get back to winning ways when they face West Ham at Elland Road.
Daniel Farke has a potential selection headache as his side looks to bounce back from consecutive defeats, with Ethan Ampadu, Willy Gnonto and Noah Okafor all doubtful for the game.
If Ampadu is injured, Farke could decide to bring Ao Tanaka back into his midfield to try to get the best out of Anton Stach after an alarming dip in form.
Jack Harrison scored a hat-trick last time Leeds beat West Ham in 2022, and he is in line to retain his place on the left of Leeds’ front three.
Now, Alan Shearer has backed Leeds to bounce back from their defeat against Burnley and put some distance between themselves and the Premier League bottom three.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty ImagesAlan Shearer predicts Leeds United victory over West Ham
Speaking to Metro, Shearer delivered his verdict on whether Leeds can avoid back-to-back defeats at Elland Road for the first time since May 2024.
According to Shearer, West Ham’s demoralising defeat in their last outing, combined with home advantage for the Whites, means Farke’s side will claim a first home win over West Ham for 20 years.
Shearer said: “Leeds were beaten at Burnley last weekend, after dominating possession and shots – Burnley only had 31 per cent possession but still beat Leeds.
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“Leeds are a different outfit at home, at Elland Road, and it was pretty shambolic the way that West Ham fell apart on Monday night at home to Brentford.
“They realised there that they’ve got a massive problem, and whether they’d be able to get out of it, I’m not sure. So, because of that atmosphere, I would go for a home win to Leeds this week.”
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty ImagesDominic Calvert-Lewin can threaten West Ham
Although Dominic Calvert-Lewin has come under scrutiny in recent weeks for his lack of cutting edge in front of goal, the Opta stats from the season to date show why West Ham is the perfect game for him to rediscover his scoring touch.
Calvert-Lewin’s only goal in a Leeds shirt came against Wolves, as he looped a pinpoint header into the far corner to set Leeds on the way to an important away win.
According to Opta, West Ham have conceded the most goals from headers in the Premier League to date, shipping seven goals from 39 headers faced, which is also the highest total in the division.
If Leeds can get their service right, Calvert-Lewin has shown he is capable of taking his chance. West Ham could be the perfect opportunity for him to get his first goal at Elland Road.