7M - FA Cup Preview: West Ham vs Leeds - prediction, team news, lineups

West Ham United welcome Leeds United to London Stadium this Sunday, April 5th 2026, for an FA Cup clash that promises tactical intrigue and competitive intensity. Both sides enter the fixture with contrasting recent form, defensive resilience, and scheduling pressures that could shape the outcome.

Recent Form and Attacking Output

West Ham have shown moderate attacking efficiency in their last ten matches across all competitions, netting 12 goals at an average of 1.2 per game. Defensively, they have conceded 13 goals during the same period, averaging 1.3 against per match, while registering three clean sheets. At home in the FA Cup, the Hammers have won four of their last six fixtures, drawing once and losing once, with 16 goals scored and eight conceded.

Leeds United arrive in stronger recent form, having gone three matches unbeaten. Their run includes a commanding 3-0 victory over Norwich City, followed by two consecutive 0-0 draws against Crystal Palace and Brentford. Over their previous ten outings, Leeds have scored 18 goals and conceded 11, also keeping three clean sheets. On the road in FA Cup competition, they have secured four wins in six away matches, scoring 17 times while allowing ten goals.

Squad Availability and Team News

West Ham manager Graham Potter will select from a deep pool of players including Alphonse Areola, Lukasz Fabianski, Mads Hermansen, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Disasi, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Max Kilman, Tomas Soucek, Mohammed Kudus, Jarrod Bowen, and Michail Antonio among others.

Leeds head coach Daniel Farke faces two notable absences. Defender Joe Rodon and striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin are unavailable due to suspension. Otherwise, the visiting squad remains largely fit, with options including Illan Meslier, Ethan Ampadu, Pascal Struijk, Brenden Aaronson, Daniel James, Joel Piroe, Wilfried Gnonto, and Lukas Nmecha.

Head-to-Head Context

The teams have met infrequently in recent seasons. Their last encounter at London Stadium ended in a 2-0 victory for West Ham. The Hammers hold a perfect record in recent meetings, with one win and no draws or losses against Leeds in their latest matchup.

Scheduling Pressure and Tactical Outlook

Both clubs face congested fixture lists as the season enters its decisive phase. West Ham's moderate goal output and Leeds' recent shift toward defensive solidity suggest a cautious approach may prevail. The value proposition in this fixture leans toward a low-scoring contest, with under 2.5 goals representing a statistically supported angle.

Predicted Lineups

West Ham probable XI: Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Kilman, Emerson; Soucek, Kante; Bowen, Fernandes, Summerville; Antonio

Leeds probable XI: Meslier; Bogle, Struijk, Bijol, Gudmundsson; Ampadu, Gruev; James, Aaronson, Gnonto; Piroe

Final Prediction: West Ham 1-0 Leeds

Considering West Ham's home advantage in cup competition, Leeds' recent defensive improvements, and the historical trend of tight encounters between these sides, a narrow, low-scoring outcome appears most likely.