Credit: Imago

Samuel Fabre

Sun 5 April 2026 10:10, UK

West Ham United fans should feel confident that they can get the better of Leeds United in their FA Cup quarter-final clash at the London Stadium on Sunday.

The Hammers are one point adrift of safety in the Premier League with seven games to go, but they’ll have to turn their attention to the FA Cup this weekend.

Having knocked out QPR, Burton Albion and Brentford on their way to the quarter-finals, West Ham fans are incredibly hopeful that they can qualify for the semi-finals for the first time since 2016.

Nuno Espirito Santo has done a good job in E20, although the next few games will shape the opinion of his appointment in September.

West Ham’s FA Cup meeting with Leeds could have huge ramifications on how both teams finish the season, but the home fans will surely feel optimistic that they can book a spot at Wembley.

Nuno Espirito Santo has an excellent record in domestic cup quarter-finals

West Ham and Leeds have faced three times previously in the FA Cup; the Whites won the first in 1923-24 after a replay, but the Hammers have since won the last two in 1929-30 and 2021-22.

Daniel Farke’s side have also lost three of their last four away games at West Ham in all competitions, despite only losing two of their previous 18 beforehand.

But what might give West Ham fans the most confidence is how impressive Nuno’s record is in the quarter-finals of domestic cups.

The Portuguese head coach has managed four previous domestic cup quarter-finals in his managerial career, seeing his sides progress every time.

These wins came in the 2013-14 Taca de Portugal with Rio Ave, the 2018-19 FA Cup with Wolves, the 2022-23 Saudi King Cup with Al-Ittihad, and the 2024-25 FA Cup with Nottingham Forest.

It is worth noting that West Ham have been eliminated from eight of their last 10 FA Cup quarter-final ties, with this their first since losing in a replay against Manchester United in the 2015-16 season.

However, Leeds have been eliminated from 16 of their last 18 FA Cup ties against Premier League opposition, which will leave the home fans feeling very confident ahead of Sunday’s match.

How Jarrod Bowen can play huge role vs Leeds

West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen has eight goal involvements in his last 11 starts in the FA Cup, which proves how much he enjoys this competition.

But what’s more impressive is his dominant record over the Whites.

Bowen has a fantastic record against Leeds, registering eight goal involvements in his last nine starts against them in all competitions.

In the Premier League this season, the England international has created 32 chances and completed 46 successful dribbles, demonstrating his ability to consistently create and score goals from any position.

With 67 shots and an xG of 6.20, the 29-year-old could haunt Leeds, and he is West Ham’s best chance of advancing to the FA Cup semi-finals.