Paul Merson makes Leeds United vs West Ham prediction amid ‘really disturbing’ scenes
Leeds United are preparing for a clash against West Ham.
Leeds are set to welcome West Ham to Elland Road on Friday as both sides look to get back to winning ways in the Premier League.
Daniel Farke is struggling with absentees in LS11 as the Leeds squad was struck with illness ahead of the clash with Nuno Espirito Santo’s men.
There will be hope that the Whites’ faithful can push their side over the line after Leeds fell to defeat against Burnley last time out.
Paul Merson has now shared his prediction ahead of the clash after what has been a mixed start for the two sides this season.
Paul Merson slams West Ham ahead of Leeds clash
A supercomputer has backed Leeds to beat West Ham as they look set to continue their positive home form so far this season.
Only Tottenham have secured a victory away at Elland Road in what was a positive performance from the North London outfit.
Leeds have taken five points from their other three games in Yorkshire and can be pleased with their efforts so far.
West Ham have struggled both home and away as their season continues to go from bad to worse, even with Nuno at the helm.
The Hammers lost 2-0 to Brentford last time out in what was a shoddy performance against a potential relegation rival.
Merson watched this and has opted to back the Whites to beat the claret and blue outfit 2-0 in his weekly predictions with Sportskeeda on 23 October.
He said: “I watched West Ham against Brentford on Monday and I must admit, I haven’t seen anything as bad as that for a long time!
“Leeds have done a decent job so far, but they will be extremely disappointed about losing to Burnley last weekend. That is a game they know they should have won. The battle to avoid relegation will be really tight this season, with Leeds and West Ham expected to be involved throughout.
“I don’t think West Ham can afford to lose this game, and Leeds can’t afford not to win! If I said this at the start of the season, you’d think I’m mad because what does this even mean, right?
“An established Premier League team like West Ham and newly-promoted Leeds fighting each other for survival after just eight games? No way!
“But that is the reality now, and it shows how unpredictable things are in the Premier League. If West Ham lose this game, I don’t know what can save them. I’ve got to pick a winner now? Wow, this is hard! Only because of what I saw on Monday with West Ham, I’m going with Leeds here.
“In footballing terms, that was a really disturbing West Ham performance, and I know they can’t do any worse than that this weekend. I’m still backing Leeds, though.“
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Leeds United can learn from West Ham vs Brentford
Leeds may be struggling through injury and illness right now, but it should have enough to beat a terrible West Ham side.
The Irons have shown very little quality this season despite having the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta at their disposal.
This didn’t count for anything against Brentford as the London Stadium club failed to land a glove on their city rivals.
| Stat | West Ham | Brentford |
| Possession (%) | 44 | 56 |
| Expected goals | 0.35 | 2.37 |
| Shots | 7 | 22 |
| Big chances | 0 | 5 |
| Passes completed | 257 | 371 |
The Bees had more of the ball and created far more chances, as the home side looked totally unbothered by their performance.
If Farke can get a similar tune out of his side, there is no reason why Leeds can’t secure another three points at Elland Road to take them to 11 for the campaign.
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