Credit: Imago

Samuel Fabre

Thu 2 April 2026 18:10, UK

Ao Tanaka could return to the team when Leeds United travel to West Ham for the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday afternoon.

The tie is set up well for Leeds to advance, and fans will be hoping that their side can move one step closer to winning their first FA Cup since 1972.

The Whites have knocked out Derby County, Birmingham and Norwich on their route to this stage, and they’ll be desperate to reach the semi-finals for the first time in 39 years.

However, Daniel Farke‘s side are winless in their last six Premier League games, and the goals have dried up as they fight to have a successful season on multiple fronts.

Leeds will be desperate to beat West Ham at the London Stadium, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see Tanaka replace Anton Stach, who is carrying a knock going into the match.

Ao Tanaka replaces Anton Stach in three changes vs West Ham

After becoming a hero in the Championship-winning campaign, Farke hasn’t trusted Tanaka to perform at the same level in the Premier League.

The Japan international has been left on the bench multiple times this season, with the likes of Stach and Ilia Gruev being preferred in midfield.

Tanaka was linked with a move away from Leeds in January, and as his long-term future remains uncertain, these are the sorts of games that Farke should be trusting him in.

According to Sofascore, the 27-year-old has registered 1.42 shots per 90 minutes in the top flight, and he could provide a lot of attacking threat from midfield.

Therefore, he could come into the team for Stach, with Farke confirming that although he should be fit to play a part, he is dealing with minor hip problems.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is also a doubt for the match, meaning Noah Okafor could start up front alongside Lukas Nmecha.

The Switzerland international hasn’t started a match since the fourth-round win over Birmingham in February, where he excelled before suffering a hamstring injury.

Gabriel Gudmundsson is also available after serving a one-match suspension, which could result in James Justin making way.

The final change should see Lucas Perri replace Karl Darlow, and the Brazilian has a lot to prove in between the sticks.

With Premier League survival also key, resting Calvert-Lewin and Stach could be sensible.

West Ham vs Leeds match could make or break Lucas Perri at Elland Road

The Whites spent £13.9million when they signed Perri from Lyon in the summer, but he has been underwhelming throughout the season.

Since arriving from France, the Brazilian has been exposed numerous times for his lapses in concentration, and Darlow replaced him as the first-choice goalkeeper in January.

According to Leeds Live, there is “no guarantee” that the board will look to bring in a new goalkeeper any time soon, meaning Perri will likely remain in LS11.

That could spark a reaction from the 28-year-old, who clearly has the ability to start for Leeds in the Premier League.

But if Perri fails to perform against West Ham, then Farke will be stuck with a big problem, as a player of his calibre needs to do more if he wants to avoid staying on the bench.