Mark Lawrenson predicts winner of Leeds United showdown v West Ham United in Premier League
Mark Lawrenson has predicted Leeds United will boost their Premier League survival hopes with a 2-1 win against West Ham United on Sunday (21 May).
The Whites arrive into the clash at the London Stadium on the back of a highly entertaining, but nonetheless frustrating 2-2 draw versus Newcastle, which left the club 18th in the Premier League with just two games of the season remaining.
Writing in his weekly column for Paddy Power (18 May), Lawrenson predicted that the Hammers’ mid-week exploits in the Europa Conference League would aid Sam Allardyce in his quest for a first win since taking the reins at Elland Road.
“I expect West Ham to make it through to the final, so they might have a few pints,” he wrote.
“I think Leeds might win this. It would be a major result for Leeds. They should have won against Newcastle last weekend and big Sam Allardyce has made an impact.
“I think they’ll go and win it and it would be just like Leeds.”
Biggest game of the season.
The trip to face West Ham would have been pencilled in the calendars of many supporters as a must-win game if Leeds are to remain in the Premier League this season.
After tough tests against Manchester City and Newcastle, Allardyce finally has a proper chance to get to grips with the job and look to get his side back to winning ways.
With Everton currently one point above Leeds in the Premier League table and taking on a Wolves side who could well be on the beach after securing Premier League safety, Leeds could theoretically be relegated this weekend if results go against them.
Nothing less than a win will really do for Allardyce and his troops, with a tough test against a mercurial Spurs side awaiting on the last day of the season.
After the last-gasp drama against Brentford last season, it looks like Leeds are going to leave fans sweating all the way down to the 12th hour once again.
In other Leeds United news, a £20million-plus move and an Elland Road exit for one first-team player has been scoffed at by a transfer journalist.