WHZ View: 3 things to look out for from West Ham in clash Leeds
West Ham and Leeds clash on Monday evening in the Premier League with both sides looking to build on their impressive performances this season.
The Hammers are well in the hunt for European football. We’ve lost just twice in 2021 and could move onto 48 points with a win. The visitors are pushing for a top 10 finish and are currently just two points behind Arsenal. They’re all but safe from the drop with a 12 point gap over those in the relegation zone.
David Moyes’ side took all three points in the reverse fixture. Goals from Tomas Soucek and Angelo Ogbonna were the perfect response to an early Mateusz Klich penalty. Leeds started strongly in the game at Elland Road, something the Hammers will be wary of this time, no doubt.
West Ham Zone have highlighted three things to look out for when the two teams clash at the London Stadium on Monday.
Benrahma to bag
Said Benrahma has been in and out of the side recently. In the reverse fixture, the Algerian was making just his second start for the Hammers.
He was our biggest threat going forward, having six shots at goal and completing 90% of his attempted dribbles [WyScout]. It was the most shots he’s taken in a game by some distance.
The Leeds backline struggled to maintain him and it was easily his best performance for the club. He hasn’t started the last three games, so could be in line to rejoin the XI on Monday. We’re backing him to break his duck if he’s included from the off.
Reliable Rice
Declan Rice has been sensational in the middle this season. The England international has been skippering the side in the extended absence of Mark Noble, and we look a different side under his leadership.
In the Premier League, he’s averaged 4.95 interceptions and 9.61 ball recoveries per 90 minutes. He’s excellent at breaking down opposing threats and driving us up the pitch after regaining possession.
With Leeds’ injuries in centre midfield, we expect him to dominate the middle and drive us back up the table.
Antonio after the accolade
After missing matches with Sheffield United and Manchester United (in the FA cup), Michail Antonio made his return to the starting XI against Spurs.
He scored the first in that clash and also pulled us level with Manchester City last weekend before we lost 2-1. He is now four Premier League goals short of Paolo Di Canio’s record of 47 and will be looking to get closer on Monday.
In the reverse fixture, Antonio missed out through injury. His added presence to spearhead the attack could prove vital. Haller didn’t offer much at Elland Road, but Antonio’s pace and power make us a different threat. He’ll be hoping to score for the third consecutive game and on this form it’s hard to bet against him.
In other West Ham news, here is our predicted XI to face Leeds on Monday evening.