Leeds United v West Ham United
Leeds return to their adoring fans at Elland Road with Robbie Fowler hungry for more goals. Boxing Day at Bolton was illuminated by a hat-trick from the England striker and he will be eager to be let loose on a West Ham defence that often struggles away from Upton Park.
But the Hammers are in good form at the moment and will not be overawed by a championship-chasing Leeds team able once again to call on the services of Jonathon Woodgate and Lee Bowyer.
Indeed, Trevor Sinclair's Christmas cracker of a goal against Derby County is a good bet for strike of the season and debate is already raging about whether it is better than the famous bicycle kick he scored for Queens Park Rangers.
Whether it was or not, it must have added a few more pounds to Sinclair's price tag - something that is sure to dismay Sunderland, Newcastle, Glasgow Rangers and the other clubs eyeing the England midfielder with greedy eyes.
Even Leeds have been linked with him occasionally, although David O'Leary has strengthened his engine room with the recent purchase of battling Seth Johnson from Derby County. And this signing has proven very shrewd as injury, suspension and court cases have decimated the Leeds midfield.
But at last the injury problems seem to be fading and O'Leary can reflect on a squad that is certainly strong enough to challenge for title honours in May. If Leeds can begin 2002 in the same way they did a year ago then the other leading clubs have a lot to fear. A 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough at Elland Road on New Years Day did not appear that ominous, but the Lilywhites dropped only 12 points in their final 18 games to finish fourth. A similar run now would surely earn them a first league championship for 10 years.
But West Ham will recall their excellent victory at Leeds in November 2000 - a goal from veteran defender Nigel Winterburn enough to give the points to the East Londoners. And the stats certainly give hope to the Irons. Their passing has been just as good as Leeds' and should everyone pull in the same direction, then another win on the road could be a possibility.
Mark Willis
Match referee: S. Dunn
Steve Dunn has already brandished three red cards this season and he is sure to get a chance to exercise his decision making in this game. He does like to let the game flow however, so prepare for a classic clash amid the bitter Yorkshire weather.
Referee's Name FoulsPenaltiesYellow CardsRed CardsAve
Disc pointsS. Dunn 297 1 34 3 46.67
PLAYER HEAD-TO-HEAD
click below for in-depth comparisonBowyer v Cole
TEAM NEWS
With eight players currently receiving treatment, the Leeds squad is stretched to its limits and shows little signs of being strengthened in time for the visit of West Ham on New Years Day. Midfielder Eirik Bakke, currently out with an ankle injury, is suspended for the clash with the Hammers and reports suggest Irish striker Robbie Keane may have an operation on the ankle injury that has troubled him in recent weeks.
Paolo di Canio is expected to return for the visitors after a one-match ban, in place of his deputy in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool, Jermain Defoe.
MATCH BETTING
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Match Result
Leeds 4/9
Draw 11/4
West Ham 11/2
Correct Score
Leeds 1-0 13/2
Leeds 2-0 11/2
Leeds 2-1 7/1
Leeds 3-0 9/1
Leeds 3-1 9/1
Leeds 3-2 28/1
Leeds 4-0 18/1
Leeds 4-1 16/1
Leeds 4-2 40/1
Leeds 5-0 40/1
Leeds 5-1 40/1
Leeds 6-0 80/1
Leeds 6-1 66/1
Leeds 7-0 100/1
Leeds 7-1 100/1
Draw 0-0 9/1
Draw 1-1 13/2
Draw 2-2 18/1
Draw 3-3 66/1
West Ham 1-0 11/1
West Ham 2-0 28/1
West Ham 2-1 20/1
West Ham 3-0 80/1
West Ham 3-1 80/1
West Ham 3-2 66/1
West Ham 4-0 100/1
West Ham 4-1 100/1
West Ham 4-2 100/1
Double Result
Leeds/Leeds evens
Leeds/Draw 16/1
Leeds/West Ham 50/1
Draw/Leeds 7/2
Draw/Draw 5/1
Draw/West Ham 12/1
West Ham/Leeds 28/1
West Ham/Draw 16/1
West Ham/West Ham 12/1
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By Road:
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