West Ham United vs Leeds United on Sunday April 5th 2026 at London Stadium – kick off at 4:30 PM BST (5:30 PM WAT) will be a real big deal for both teams – its the Emirates FA Cup quarter-final and a shot at Wembley glory for them to focus on rather than their current struggle in the Premier League relegation fight.
Nuno Espirito Santo‘s Hammers are in a worrying 18th spot, with just 29 points from 31 games, but they have a rare opportunity to get into the semis for the first time in a decade. Daniel Farke‘s Leeds are doing a bit better – 15th with 33 points, but they still need to win this to get their quarter-final win since 2002/03.
Match Summary
West Ham got this far by beating Queens Park Rangers, Burton Albion and Brentford in the last rounds, now they’re sitting three spots and four points below Leeds in the table but they do have a good record at home in the London Stadium – strong form and set-piece threat. The Hammers have done alright at home against Leeds in recent years too, with three wins from their last four meetings.
Leeds did pull one back with a 2-1 league win at Elland Road in October 2025, but now they’ve got a tough away job on their hands. Both teams go for the win and play attacking football so expect a fast game with lots of chances at both ends. The odds are that there will be over 2.5 goals scored in this one, and it’s likely to come down to a few set pieces and physical battles too.
West Ham do have a slight edge in the head to head, especially at home.
Possible Lineups
West Ham United (4-3-3): Areola’s back in goal, replacing Dawson, which may give him a chance to prove his worth. Jarrod Bowen remains key after his recent performances. We’re not sure about Crysencio Summerville – he’s struggling with a calf injury and Jean-Clair Todibo’s also got a calf problem so that’s two big doubts.
Leeds United (3-4-1-2 or 4-2-3-1): They’ve got a pretty much a full squad ready to go bar a couple of absences. Gabriel Gudmundsson is back from suspension, which should give them a bit of a boost. It’s a bit of a toss-up between Joel Piroe or Noah Okafor leading the line – although Dom Calvert-Lewin’s a slight doubt too.
Prediction
This one’s going to come down to which team can make the most of their home advantage – West Ham’s London Stadium is a tough place to play. And then there’s their set-piece threat to consider too. Jarrod Bowen should be a key player and the Hammers’ physicality will test Leeds all day long.
The visitors will certainly create a few chances through Piroe and their high pressing game, but you just wonder if they can get the better of the Hammers, who seem to have a bit of history with the London Stadium. We think West Ham edge it – a narrow win and a spot in the semis.
Final score prediction: West Ham United 2-1 Leeds United
