West Ham Host Leeds in FA Cup Semi-Final Showdown

Both West Ham and Leeds have defied the usual pattern of Premier League sides in relegation scraps neglecting the FA Cup. Instead, each has kept their Wembley dreams alive, and Sunday's quarter-final encounter will determine which advances to the semi-finals.

The Hammers' route to this stage has been impressive. They've dispatched QPR 2-1, Burton 1-0, and navigated past Brentford via penalties in the fifth round. Leeds, meanwhile, needed spot-kicks to get past Birmingham in round three before dismantling Derby 3-1 and Norwich 3-0. This marks their first test against Premier League opposition in the competition.

The Setup

The match takes place at the London Stadium on Sunday, April 5, kicking off at 16:30 BST. Coverage begins at 16:00 on TNT Sports 1 and HBO Max, with BBC Radio 5 Live providing full commentary.

Injury Concerns

West Ham face a potential blow with Crysencio Summerville battling a calf issue. The former Leeds winger has been in prolific form with seven goals in his last 11 outings, making his absence a significant problem. Jean-Clair Todibo is also doubtful with a similar complaint.

Leeds boss Daniel Farke indicated that Dominic Calvert-Lewin trained around a minor hamstring problem and remains uncertain for the clash. Gabriel Gudmundsson has shaken off a suspension and should be available despite picking up a knock while on Sweden duty.

The Numbers

Bookmakers have it tight, with West Ham slight favourites at 7/5 to win in 90 minutes. Leeds are priced at 9/5 with the draw at 13/5. In outright cup betting, the Hammers sit at 16/1 while Leeds are 20/1.

Form and History

Intriguingly, these two meet again on the final day of the Premier League season—a fixture that could ultimately define their survival hopes. Their sole top-flight meeting this term went Leeds' way, 2-1, with Brenden Aaronson and Joe Rodon striking within the opening quarter-hour. That came during West Ham's difficult spell of five defeats in six, though their recent trajectory has improved markedly. Over the last ten Premier League matches, West Ham would rank seventh while Leeds languish 16th.

At home against Leeds, the Hammers have won three of their last four, including a 2-0 victory in this competition back in 2022. Jarrod Bowen has proven particularly troublesome for the visitors, scoring twice in the last-16 Brentford tie and netting in each of his three most recent home appearances against them. The penalty-taker is worth considering at 21/10 to score anytime.

West Ham's form suggests they merit backing at 7/5.