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WEST HAM V LEEDS

West Ham United

Leeds United

Upton Park

 12
Games Played
12
 10
Goals Scored
13
0.83
Goals per game
1.08
40%
Shooting Accuracy %
40%
7%
Goals/Shots %
10%
 4455
Passes
4384
71%
Pass Completion %
73%
 74%
Tackles Won %
74%
19
Goals Conceded
13
1.58
Goals Conceded per game
1.08
 168
Fouls
183
22
Yellow Cards
23
1
Red Cards
1

Following midweek disappointments in the Worthington Cup, both Leeds and West Ham will be looking to bounce back in style in the Premiership.

Leeds United's loss to Everton took the disappointing run in recent matches to no league wins in six so the adoption of a more direct approach could well be the answer.

In this run, Leeds have completed just 73% of their passes, won just 71% of their tackles and, perhaps most distressingly, converted 5% of their chances into goals. Harry Kewell's consolation against the Gunners, Mark Viduka's penalty against Middlesbrough and Lee Bowyer's effort in the same game are all Terry Venables has to show for many hours of toil and trouble on the training ground.

The overall statistics for Leeds show that they certainly have what it takes to get back among the Premiership's elite, but against a side with more pride and power than flair and finesse, namely West Ham, it may perhaps take a firm-but-fair attitude to proceedings for Leeds to get their season back on track.

West Ham will feel that the visitors are there for the taking. Forever a side looking as though they are on the verge of greatness, but lacking that final charge to send them toppling over it, the Hammers are currently in 17th place and facing a tough campaign unless results improve, and soon.

A team of contradictions, West Ham have lost their last two league games having won the two before, looking offensively unable in the last two matches but defensively solid in the two before.

The key to success may not be in hammering the Leeds defence with attack after attack - the Irons have, after all, converted just 7% of their chances so far - but in frustrating the Leeds attack and sneaking it on the break. This will require some tough tackling and some cleanly-hit passes, but as has been the case all season, it all depends on which West Ham side chooses to emerge from the tunnel.

Match Betting: West Ham 11/8 Draw 11/5 Leeds 13/8 -
For full odds, Bet Now! with Sky Bet