Credit: Imago

Samuel Fabre

Sat 4 April 2026 7:40, UK

Leeds United are in for a tough test when they travel to face West Ham in Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final at the London Stadium.

The Whites haven’t been at their best for the past two months, with the fifth-round win over Norwich being their only victory in the last seven games.

While Daniel Farke‘s side haven’t found many wins to come by in the Premier League, they now have the perfect opportunity to regain confidence in the FA Cup against a side that currently sits below them in the table.

Leeds beat the Hammers 2-1 at Elland Road earlier in the season, and they’ll have full belief that they can secure a place at Wembley for the semi-finals.

When West Ham host Leeds at the London Stadium, a lot will be at stake, and a supercomputer has predicted the outcome of the quarter-final.

West Ham predicted as favourites in FA Cup clash vs Leeds

West Ham come into the match having lost their last league match to Aston Villa 2-0, but they’ve been in fine form throughout 2026.

In the FA Cup, they overcame tough tests against QPR and Burton Albion before knocking out Brentford on penalties in the fifth round.

And according to Opta‘s supercomputer, it’s the Hammers that will advance to the semi-finals at the expense of Leeds.

Leeds were often at Wembley under Don Revie and made four FA Cup Finals between 1965 and 1973, winning for the only time in their history in 1972.

Their last semi-final appearance was way back in 1987 when they lost to eventual winners Coventry City.

However, the latest supercomputer prediction suggests that they may not break this 39-year curse, which could prove to be hugely damaging.

The Whites have managed just one FA Cup quarter-final appearance in the last 28 years, and their defeat to Sheffield United in 2003 cost Terry Venables his job.

While Farke won’t suffer the same fate, it points to the magnitude of Sunday’s clash.

Why FA Cup success could prove to be significant for Leeds

We are at the stage of the season where every point in the Premier League could have a huge meaning, and as Leeds are only four points clear of the drop zone, relegation isn’t out of the question.

With West Ham currently occupying that 18th spot in the table, the winners of Sunday’s match will gain a lot of pride and hope for the last seven games of the league campaign.

Of course, it won’t bode well for the losers, which is why the Whites have to win in order to better their chances of improved performances in the top flight.

Of course, the allure of qualifying for the semi-finals and having the chance to make history with Leeds shouldn’t be understated.

But a win against West Ham could be hugely beneficial in more ways than one.