Exclusive: Frank McAvennie predicts West Ham clash v Leeds
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie believes West Ham will be held to a draw by Leeds United when the two sides meet at Elland Road on Friday night.
David Moyes’ men saw a three-match winning streak come to an abrupt end last week when they were beaten 3-1 by Manchester United at the London Stadium.
Leeds also suffered a 3-1 defeat last time out with Chelsea earning three points against them at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Neither team will bounce back to winning ways on Friday though, according to McAvennie, who can see the game ending as a score draw.
“I’m going with 1-1,” McAvennie told West Ham Zone.
“You’ve got to be careful because the boy up front (Patrick Bamford), who nobody thought would score goals in the Premier League is doing alright.
“Leeds are a good team, I like them. They’re a breath of fresh air.
“It will be interesting.”
Although West Ham have not played against Leeds very often in the last decade and a half, the Hammers’ history against the Yorkshire club makes for worrying reading.
West Ham have won just two of their last 28 meetings with Leeds dating back to 1989.
The last time the Irons beat the Whites was in 2000 when Nigel Winterburn scored the only goal of the game at Elland Road.
West Ham’s most recent meeting with Leeds was when both clubs were in the Championship in the 2011/12 season. Danny Collins scored in a 1-1 draw on that occasion.
While it’s easy to get drawn into historic stats like that, there’s nothing to say that West Ham can’t win against Leeds on Friday.
Bielsa’s side create a lot of chances but they also concede a lot.
West Ham’s defence has been in good shape this season and we fancy Moyes to oversee a win away in West Yorkshire.
In other West Ham news, this is how the Hammers can exploit Leeds’ weakness on Friday night.