West Ham vs Leeds Prediction, Match Preview, May 24th

West Ham and Leeds are set to clash in an exciting Premier League matchup on Sunday, May 24th. This encounter will take place at the iconic London Stadium, providing a thrilling backdrop for what promises to be a competitive game. As both teams vie for crucial points, the outcome could have significant implications for their standings in the league.

West Ham, playing at home, will be looking to capitalise on their familiar surroundings, while Leeds will aim to disrupt their hosts’ plans with a strong away performance. With both teams having much to play for, this match is shaping up to be a closely contested affair in the Premier League.

West Ham vs Leeds Prediction & Betting tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Both Teams to Score (BTTS) – Yes	1.7

Considering the current form and defensive vulnerabilities of both teams, our recommended betting tip is ‘Both Teams to Score (BTTS)’. This betting tip aligns well with the attacking strengths and defensive weaknesses highlighted in recent performances and head-to-head encounters.

• Leeds have scored in 72% of their away matches this season, indicating a strong likelihood of finding the net.
• West Ham have conceded an average of 1.7 goals per match this season, revealing defensive vulnerabilities.
• Recent head-to-head matches have been high-scoring, with the last two meetings ending in 2-2 and 2-1, supporting the BTTS prediction.

Betting Odds

West Ham are stepping onto the pitch as favourites with odds of 1.81, reflecting their strong home advantage at the London Stadium. Leeds, on the other hand, are priced at 3.88, suggesting that while they are the underdogs, there’s potential value for those backing an upset.

Betting Tip	Odds
West Ham to win	1.81
Draw	4.03
Leeds to win	3.88

The draw is currently sitting at 4.03, which could be tempting for those who foresee a tightly contested match. Given both teams’ attacking styles, punters might also want to explore markets like both teams to score or over 2.5 goals.

West Ham Analysis & Past Performance

West Ham’s recent form has been underwhelming, with their last five matches yielding only one win, one draw, and three losses. This sequence includes a 1-3 defeat to Newcastle, a narrow 0-1 loss to Arsenal, and a comprehensive 0-3 defeat against Brentford. They managed a solitary win against Everton, 2-1, and a goalless draw with Crystal Palace.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Newcastle	West Ham	3 – 1 (Loss)	Premier League	17 May 2026
West Ham	Arsenal	0 – 1 (Loss)	Premier League	10 May 2026
Brentford	West Ham	3 – 0 (Loss)	Premier League	2 May 2026
West Ham	Everton	2 – 1 (Win)	Premier League	25 Apr 2026
Crystal Palace	West Ham	0 – 0 (Draw)	Premier League	20 Apr 2026

Recent Form:
In terms of scoring, West Ham have struggled, averaging just 0.60 goals per game in their last five fixtures. Defensively, they’ve conceded an average of 1.60 goals per match, highlighting a vulnerability at the back. Despite creating opportunities, as evidenced by 15 shots against Newcastle, their conversion rate remains low. The team has achieved only one clean sheet during this period, reflecting ongoing defensive challenges.

West Ham’s home performance shows slight improvement, with a win ratio of 40% over the last five home games. However, their overall season statistics reveal a struggle, sitting 18th in the league with 36 points from 37 matches. The team has scored in 24 out of 37 games, with Jarrod Bowen being a key contributor, netting 8 goals this season. Overall, West Ham’s current dynamics suggest a need for a sharper attack and more robust defensive strategies to improve their league standing.

• LLLWD

West Ham Suspensions & Injuries

West Ham faces a critical fixture against Leeds with minimal injury concerns, but the potential absence of Adama Traoré due to a muscle injury could impact their attacking depth. Traoré’s pace and strength on the wing have been instrumental in stretching defences, and without him, West Ham may need to rely more heavily on the creativity of Jarrod Bowen and the finishing prowess of Callum Wilson. This could lead to a more centralised attacking approach, as Nuno Espírito Santo may have to adjust his tactics to compensate for Traoré’s potential absence.

The goalkeeping position remains steady with Mads Hermansen, as Łukasz Fabiański is also listed among the injured, although his absence has not disrupted the current starting lineup. Hermansen’s performances have been solid, ensuring that the team retains a reliable last line of defence.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Adama Traoré	muscle injury	Doubtful

Despite these challenges, the lack of suspensions means West Ham’s core structure remains intact, allowing them to field a strong lineup against Leeds. This continuity could prove crucial in maintaining their competitive edge in the Premier League, as they aim to secure vital points.

West Ham Key Players

Jarrod Bowen stands out as West Ham’s top scorer this season, having netted 8 goals. His role on the right wing is pivotal, where he combines pace and precision to exploit defensive gaps. Bowen’s ability to cut inside and shoot with his left foot presents a constant threat to opponents. His partnership with Crysencio Summerville on the opposite flank adds width and dynamism to West Ham’s attack, creating opportunities for the forward line.

Further back, Tomáš Souček provides a commanding presence in midfield. Known for his aerial prowess and defensive contributions, Souček is integral in breaking up play and launching counter-attacks. His partnership with Mateus Fernandes offers a balance of strength and creativity, crucial for controlling the tempo of the game.

Expected lineup for West Ham

• Goalkeeper: Mads Hermansen
• Defenders: Konstantinos Mavropanos, Axel Disasi, Jean-Clair Todibo
• Midfielders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Tomáš Souček, Crysencio Summerville, Malick Diouf, Mateus Fernandes, Jarrod Bowen
• Forward: Callum Wilson

In defence, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Axel Disasi form a solid central partnership, tasked with maintaining a robust backline. Their physicality and discipline are vital in thwarting Leeds’ attacking threats. Overall, West Ham’s key players are well-positioned to influence the tactical approach, leveraging their strengths to secure a favourable outcome in this crucial Premier League clash.

West Ham Tactics and Formation

West Ham Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-2-1
• Key Forward: Callum Wilson
• Midfield Engine: Tomáš Souček and Crysencio Summerville
• Defensive Weakness: Conceded 8 goals in the last five matches
• Notable Strategy: High pressing with wing-backs supporting the attack.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s West Ham team is set to utilise a 3-4-2-1 formation, which aims to provide both defensive stability and offensive options through the wing-backs. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Malick Diouf are tasked with the dual role of defending and supporting attacks, which can stretch opponents defensively.

Defensively, West Ham has struggled, conceding 8 goals in their last five matches. The back three of Konstantinos Mavropanos, Axel Disasi, and Jean-Clair Todibo must improve their cohesion to provide a more resolute defensive line, especially in the absence of Łukasz Fabiański due to injury.

Offensively, Callum Wilson spearheads the attack, supported by creative outlets such as Jarrod Bowen and Mateus Fernandes. The team’s pressing strategy aims to disrupt opposition plays and create turnovers in advanced positions, although they will need to be wary of their vulnerability to counters.

Leeds Analysis & Past Performance

Leeds United have demonstrated solid recent form, securing three wins and two draws in their last five matches. Their recent victory over Brighton (1-0) exemplifies their ability to grind out results, even when possession was limited to 34%. Despite facing 20 shots, their defensive resilience helped them maintain a clean sheet.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Leeds	Brighton	1 – 0 (Win)	Premier League	17 May 2026
Tottenham	Leeds	1 – 1 (Draw)	Premier League	11 May 2026
Leeds	Burnley	3 – 1 (Win)	Premier League	1 May 2026
Chelsea	Leeds	1 – 0 (Loss)	FA Cup	26 Apr 2026
Bournemouth	Leeds	2 – 2 (Draw)	Premier League	22 Apr 2026

Recent Form:
Leeds have been effective offensively, averaging 2.00 goals per game in their last five fixtures, while conceding an average of 0.80 goals. They managed to score in all but one of these encounters, highlighting their attacking consistency. Defensively, they’ve achieved 2 clean sheets, underscoring a well-organised backline.

Leeds’ away performance has seen them draw four of their last five matches, winning one. This indicates a strong ability to avoid defeat on the road, though their win ratio away stands at 0.20. Overall, Leeds’ league position at 14th and their 47 points reflect a mid-bottom table standing, yet their recent undefeated streak suggests a team finding its rhythm.

• WDWLD

Leeds Suspensions & Injuries

Leeds will be without several players due to injuries, which could impact their tactical setup against West Ham. Notably, Ilia Gruev’s meniscus injury will keep him sidelined until mid-July, weakening their midfield depth. Similarly, Noah Okafor’s calf injury, with a return expected in late May, leaves a gap in the attacking options. The absence of Jayden Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson, both doubtful with hamstring issues, further limits defensive flexibility.

Pascal Struijk’s hip injury and Anton Stach’s ankle problem, both rendering them doubtful, add to the defensive concerns for Leeds. These injuries necessitate tactical adjustments, potentially forcing coach Daniel Farke to rely more heavily on the available players in the lineup, such as Brenden Aaronson and Ethan Ampadu, to maintain midfield stability.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Ilia Gruev	meniscus injury	Mid July 2026
Gabriel Gudmundsson	hamstring injury	Doubtful
Noah Okafor	calf injury	Late May 2026
Pascal Struijk	hip injury	Doubtful
Jayden Bogle	hamstring injury	Doubtful
Anton Stach	ankle injury	Doubtful

With no suspensions affecting the squad, Leeds will need to carefully manage their current resources. The unavailability of key players could influence betting markets, potentially skewing odds in favour of West Ham, given Leeds’s reduced squad depth. Farke’s tactical acumen will be tested to patch these gaps effectively, possibly opting for a more conservative approach to maintain defensive solidity.

Leeds Key Players

Dominic Calvert-Lewin stands out as Leeds’ top scorer with 14 goals this season, making him a focal point in their attacking strategy. His ability to find space and convert chances is crucial for Leeds as they face West Ham. Calvert-Lewin’s physical presence and aerial prowess make him a constant threat inside the box, and his performance could heavily influence the outcome of the match.

In midfield, Brenden Aaronson and Daniel James bring energy and creativity, with Aaronson’s playmaking ability and James’ speed likely to open up opportunities for Calvert-Lewin. Ethan Ampadu’s role in shielding the defence and distributing the ball efficiently will be key to maintaining balance in the team. Defensively, the trio of Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol, and Sebastiaan Bornauw are tasked with maintaining a solid backline against West Ham’s attacking threats.

Expected lineup for Leeds:

• Goalkeeper: Karl Darlow
• Defence: Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw
• Midfield: Brenden Aaronson, Daniel James, Ethan Ampadu, Ao Tanaka, James Justin, Sean Longstaff
• Forward: Dominic Calvert-Lewin

The tactical approach will likely see Leeds leveraging their attacking strengths, with Calvert-Lewin spearheading the offence supported by dynamic wide players. The cohesive unit in midfield and defence aims to control possession and limit West Ham’s opportunities, with the defensive line’s height and strength being pivotal in aerial duels. Leeds’ ability to transition quickly and exploit spaces could be decisive in their quest for victory.

Leeds Tactics and Formation

Leeds Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-2-1
• Key Forward: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
• Midfield Pivot: Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Utilising wing-backs for width and counter-attacking opportunities.

Leeds United will likely continue with their 3-4-2-1 formation under Daniel Farke, which has provided a balance between defence and attack. The inclusion of Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka in midfield offers both defensive cover and creative options, essential for transitioning play from back to front.

Defensively, the trio of Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol, and Sebastiaan Bornauw form the backbone of the team, with Karl Darlow maintaining his position between the posts. This setup has been effective, as evidenced by their two clean sheets in the last five matches, showcasing their defensive solidity.

Offensively, Leeds rely on the pace and crossing ability of wing-backs Daniel James and James Justin to create chances for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, their leading goal scorer with 14 goals this season. This approach allows them to stretch the opposition and exploit spaces during counter-attacks.

West Ham vs Leeds H2H Record

In their last 20 meetings, Leeds have the upper hand with 8 wins compared to West Ham’s 6, alongside 7 draws. The most recent encounter saw Leeds triumph in an FA Cup penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in regular and extra time. This result highlights Leeds’ knack for handling pressure situations.

Their last Premier League clash ended in a 2-1 victory for Leeds at Elland Road, showcasing their ability to edge out close matches. However, West Ham will take confidence from their 3-1 home win over Leeds in May 2023, which was a strong display at the London Stadium.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
West Ham United	Leeds United	2 – 2 (Extra time: 0 – 0) (Penalty shoot-out: 2 – 4)	FA Cup	2026-04-05
Leeds United	West Ham United	2 – 1	Premier League	2025-10-24
West Ham United	Leeds United	3 – 1	Premier League	2023-05-21
Leeds United	West Ham United	2 – 2	Premier League	2023-01-04
West Ham United	Leeds United	2 – 3	Premier League	2022-01-16