Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Tue 24 March 2026 18:10, UK

Leeds United’s upcoming FA Cup quarter-final clash with West Ham could make or break this season for the Whites.

Daniel Farke’s side have faltered as of late, missing the chance to further pull clear of the relegation zone, while others around them are picking up form.

Leeds dropped points against Brentford at Elland Road on Saturday, with the newly-promoted side playing out a 0-0 draw with the European contenders.

The West Yorkshire outfit sit 15th in the standings, four points clear of West Ham in 18th.

And it is the Irons who they face following the culmination of the international break, with the sides going head-to-head for a spot in the FA Cup semi-finals.

Daniel Farke must not rest on his laurels as Leeds prepare for cup tie

Alongside opponents West Ham, Leeds are battling for their Premier League safety, after their recent run of form has seen them fail to win in six league outings.

Though they get the chance to secure a huge confidence boost against their relegation rivals after the break, with a Wembley place on the line.

For both sides, the momentum gained as a result of a win would be huge. However, on the flip side, if Leeds were to lose, they risk letting their league form completely stall alongside the cup exit.

Throughout the competition, Farke’s side have gone head-to-head with Championship opposition, overcoming Derby County, Birmingham City and Norwich to get to the quarter-final.

As has been the case throughout the earlier rounds, the German head coach needs to take the clash seriously, and he will have to be aware of just how big the boost could be should Leeds progress.

FA Cup result could carry big implications for both Leeds and West Ham

Leeds have proven consistently inconsistent throughout the campaign, with good runs of form often followed by poorer ones, rather than results being more spread out over the course of the term.

Recently, the Whites endured one of their more sticky spells as they entered the ongoing international break – somewhat undoing the fantastic progress made throughout February.

Though the fixture list does begin to paint a much nicer picture soon, the momentum will be needed alongside the more accommodating schedule.

Opponents West Ham have turned a corner in 2026 after looking destined for the drop at the start of the year, but they are wounded following their recent defeat to Aston Villa, while Nottingham Forest dispatched Tottenham 3-0.

The two sides clash on the final day of the Premier League season, though both will hope that their survival is sorted before then, avoiding a dramatic shootout.

First up, though, is not just a shot at Wembley, it’s an opportunity to catch out one of their direct relegation rivals, providing a big shot of confidence in the process while damaging the cause of the other.