Credit: Breaking Media/Manh Tung

Scott Mason

Mon 30 March 2026 10:25, UK

Anton Stach can be a difference maker for Leeds United against West Ham, with the Whites’ FA Cup opponents having a weakness against midfielders.

A chance to reach Wembley is on the line for Daniel Farke, who will no doubt want to provide Leeds fans with an unforgettable day out in the capital.

This season, the LS11 outfit has already got one over their FA Cup opposition, securing a 2-1 win at Elland Road in the Premier League.

A lot has happened since that fixture back in October, including shortcomings in either side’s tactics becoming clear.

Stach, who is the Peacocks’ highest-scoring central midfielder with four goals, could now benefit from that as Leeds travel to face West Ham in the FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday.

How Anton Stach can send Leeds United to FA Cup semi-final

Stach is in his first season in England, and he could end up playing in one of the biggest games English football has to offer – an FA Cup tie at Wembley.

Just one game separates the German from reaching that reality once the international break concludes.

The 27-year-old could end up playing a pivotal role for Farke against West Ham, who can exploit a weakness that Nuno’s side has.

That is because the Hammers concede more goals to central midfielders than anyone else in the Premier League this season, conceding 13 goals to players deployed in that position.

With Stach being Leeds’ top-scoring centre-mid, it immediately puts the German into the spotlight, with him having an opportunity to deal a heavy blow.

Who do Leeds need to worry about at West Ham?

In the same essence, Leeds concede most of their goals to strikers and right-wingers, meaning Jarrod Bowen will, of course, be a dangerous threat.

Farke will already have known that, as the Irons’ captain has long been a significant player for them.

However, the winter arrivals for the Hammers, Pablo and Taty Castellanos, could threaten Leeds.

Although they have yet to hit the ground running, facing a defence that concedes most of their goals to centre-forwards could catapult them into form.

It is a scenario that would be a double blow to the Whites, as they could knock them out of the FA Cup and go on a run of form in the Premier League relegation battle.

While this game does not affect the league table, there could be some psychological fallout in the aftermath.