Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Tue 24 March 2026 11:40, UK

West Ham United’s upcoming FA Cup quarter-final clash with Leeds could make or break the season for the Hammers.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side missed the chance to climb out of the Premier League bottom three on Sunday, as they fell to a 2-0 defeat away at Aston Villa.

The Irons have turned a corner in 2026, with their form putting them within touching distance of an escape.

Though crucially, they remain in the drop zone as a result of their most recent defeat.

After the international break, West Ham welcome Leeds to the London Stadium for a huge FA Cup quarter-final – a clash that could carry huge implications for the rest of the season.

West Ham must use FA Cup clash to build crucial momentum

The Hammers find themselves in a similar situation to Leeds, with the Whites also battling for their survival in the Premier League.

Though they have a break from league action next time out, with the pair going head-to-head for a semi-final spot at Wembley.

For both sides, a win would bring about a huge confidence boost – the same way that a loss would cause the opposite.

With the London Stadium outfits’ predicament in mind, despite their form, they are still in the bottom three, with the feel-good element of recent weeks sapped somewhat following the recent loss to Villa.

Nuno carries great experience in the competition, taking Wolves and Nottingham Forest to the semi-final previously, and he will be well aware of just how big the boost could be should the Hammers progress.

West Ham have already used the FA Cup as a launchpad

Back in January, West Ham were suffering.

Nuno’s side were locked in the bottom three, with no form to call upon and no real belief in their performances to make an escape seem likely.

That would all change after their 2-1 FA Cup third round win against Queens Park Rangers – kick-starting a much better run in both league and cup – while six of the manager’s eight wins in charge came during this period.

With Leeds also faltering as of late, an exit at the hands of West Ham also carries the potential of derailing their season, after Daniel Farke’s side were seemingly all but safe just over a month ago.

The chance is there to hit a direct relegation rival, while strengthening their own confidence and momentum ahead of the season’s final weeks – a chance that the Irons simply have to take.