Leeds match preview

WEST HAM UNITED v LEEDS UNITED
npower CHAMPIONSHIP
SUNDAY 21 AUGUST 2011
KICK-OFF: 1.15PM

FULL AUDIO AND TEXT COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV

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Introduction

• West Ham United welcome Leeds United looking for a third straight league win for the first time since April-May 2007, having recorded back to back wins on the road for the first time since December 2007.

• Sam Allardyce's men got their campaign up and running with a 1-0 win at Doncaster Rovers on Saturday, courtesy of Kevin Nolan's first goal for the club, having lost 1-0 at home to Cardiff City on the opening weekend. That was followed by a 4-0 victory at Watford on Tuesday night.

• Leeds took their first points of the season on Tuesday night with a 4-1 home win against Hull City.

• The Hammers were relegated last season after finishing last in the Barclays Premier League. Leeds finished seventh in the Championship, just three points outside of the Play-Offs.

• This is West Ham's fifth spell outside the top flight since the promotion season of 1957/58. Those previous occasions lasted for three seasons, two seasons, one season and two seasons, and in those eight campaigns the lowest second-tier finish was seventh.

• West Ham spent six seasons in the Premier League, having last been promoted in 2004/05. Leeds have been outside of the top flight since 2004, dropping to League One in 2007 before returning in 2010 to the Championship.

• West Ham's best home win against Leeds was a memorable 7-0 success in the League Cup on 1 January 1967. Leeds have twice won 3-1 at the Boleyn, on New Year's Day in 1992 and on 6 October 1976.

• Leeds have won 14 of the last 19 meetings between the clubs, with the Hammers only tasting victory in two of 26 matches played over the last 29 years.

• A third straight win would be the Hammers best start to a league campaign in 12 seasons.

• Robert Green is in line to make his 200th appearance in goal for the club.

Message from Newham Police (Metropolitan Police Service)

During the West Ham United vs Leeds United game at the weekend (Sunday, 21 August 2011), supporters will notice a strong police presence in and around the ground to ensure the safety of the fans and general public.

Police will be taking a robust approach with anyone who causes anti-social behaviour or disorder during, before or after the game. Our main priority is the safety of the local community and supporters coming to enjoy a game of football.

We ask for the co-operation of all fans to positively represent their football clubs and ensure it is an enjoyable day for all.

Team news

(Championship unless stated)

Overall record v Leeds (all competitions) W 27 D 27 L 48

Ten-year records

West Ham United

2010/11 Premier League 20th (33 points)
2009/10 Premier League 17th (35 points)
2008/09 Premier League 9th (51 points)
2007/08 Premier League 10th (49 points)
2006/07 Premier League 15th (41 points)
2005/06 Premier League 9th (55 points)
2004/05 Championship 6th (73 points - promoted to Premier League via play-offs)
2003/04 Championship 4th (74 points)
2002/03 Premier League 18th (42 points - relegated to Championship)
2001/02 Premier League 7th (53 points)

Leeds

2010/11 Championship 14^th (61 points)
2009/10 League One 2nd (86 points, promoted to Championship)
2008/09 League One 4th (84 points)
2007/08 League One 5th (76 points)
2006/07 Championship 24^th (36 points, relegated to League One)
2005/06 Championship 5th (78 pointsf)
2004/05 Championship 14^th (52 points)
2003/04 Premier League 19^th (33 points)
2002/03 Premier League 15^th (47 points)
2001/02 Premier League 5th (66 points)

Referee

• Sunday's referee will be Michael Oliver.

• The 26-year-old takes charge of his first West Ham United fixture since the 3-2 FA Cup fourth-round victory over Nottingham Forest at the Boleyn Ground on 30 January 2011.

• Previously, Oliver refereed the Hammers' 2-2 draw at Birmingham City on 6 November 2010 in the Barclays Premier League.

• Prior to those two fixtures, Oliver's only other West Ham appointment was a 3-0 FA Cup third-round win over Barnsley in east London on 3 January 2009.

• Oliver was appointed to referee just one Leeds United fixture last season - a 4-0 home npower Championship defeat by Cardiff City on 25 October 2010.

• Oliver took charge of the 2007 Conference National Play-Off final at Wembley, becoming the youngest referee to take charge of a fixture at the Home of Football.

• The official made history when he became the youngest referee in Premier League history in August 2010, when he took charge of the fixture between Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers at St Andrew's.

• In addition, he had already been the youngest-ever Football League assistant referee, youngest-ever Football League referee, and the youngest-ever fourth official in the Premier League.

• Oliver's father Clive is also a full-time professional match official.

Old boys

• Players to have represented both clubs include Lee Bowyer, Sebastien Carole, Lee Chapman, Mervyn Day, Brian Deane, Rio Ferdinand, Alf Harwood, William Jackson, Matt Kilgallon, Dave Mangnall and George Speak.

Next up

• For ticket information, click here.  No cash turnstiles will be in operation on the day, with only ticket office sales to those with a previous purchase history.

• Sunday's forecast in east London is for a sunny day with temperatures peaking around 23C.