Credit: Imago

James Barker

Sun 24 May 2026 15:32, UK

Pablo has been recalled to West Ham United‘s starting XI against Leeds United for the first time since the 3-0 defeat to Brentford.

Nuno Espirito Santo has named his starting XI that he hopes can get the win against Leeds on Sunday, and give his side a chance at staying in the Premier League.

Taty Castellanos, Kyler Walker-Peters and Pablo all come into the starting lineup, whilst Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Jean-Clair Todibo and Callum Wilson drop out from the side that lost to Newcastle last time out.

With no more road to run after Sunday, Nuno had to throw caution to the wind, and that’s what he’s done.

However, his inclusion of Pablo to face Leeds is a very brave call by the Irons boss indeed, but one that could make him and the Brazilian heroes come full-time.

Nuno Espirito Santo takes Pablo risk in West Ham vs Leeds United

Pablo’s West Ham move hasn’t gone to plan so far, with the 22-year-old arriving for an initial fee of just over £18million back in early January.

The Brazilian had shown deadly goalscoring form with Portuguese side Gil Vicente during the first half of the 2025-26 season, netting 10 times in 14 total appearances for them.

Still so young and with West Ham being the biggest move of his career to date, few were expecting Pablo to really hit the ground running at the London Stadium, especially mid-season.

However, the nature of the Hammers’ Premier League predicament meant that any new senior winter arrivals weren’t really afforded the luxury of time to settle in, as results were needed straight away.

Unfortunately for Pablo, he’s just not quite been able to provide that, with zero goals and just the one assist from 17 total appearances this term, and he had been dropped to the bench for West Ham’s last two games.

But, Nuno has now rolled the dice on his young forward for the visit of Leeds, choosing to deploy him behind Castellanos rather than siding with the experienced figure of Wilson.

It’s a bold and brave move by the Hammers boss, however, if there was any time for Pablo to have his West Ham coming out party, it would be on Sunday.

Should Everton do the business against Tottenham and Pablo was to score against Leeds, perhaps even the winner, then the Brazilian would instantly evolve into a West Ham cult hero for life, and would’ve repaid his transfer fee in an instant.

Will Leeds’ defence afford Pablo opportunities to score?

With Leeds already safe, Daniel Farke’s men enter the final day with no pressure on their shoulders, and that could spell danger for West Ham.

The Whites are currently basking in an eight-game unbeaten run in the Premier League, and of course, do hold the recent bragging rights over the Irons after their dramatic penalty shootout win in the FA Cup quarter-final back on 5 April.

However, whilst they are on a strong run of form, Leeds have kept just the one clean sheet from their last five in all competitions, with both Burnley and Tottenham able to find the net against them respectively.

Brighton took 19 shots against them in their 1-0 loss to Leeds last time out, whilst Spurs registered 16 attempts, Burnley nine and Bournemouth 17 respectively from their previous four league games.

Farke’s men have been stronger in attack than defence for the most part this season, and so Pablo should have a good chance at scoring his first West Ham goal on Sunday.