Match Information
Match Overview
This final day Premier League encounter between West Ham and Leeds at London Stadium carries significant relegation implications as both teams fight for survival on Matchday 38. West Ham find themselves in a precarious 18th position, making this a potential must-win situation for Nuno Espirito Santo's side, while Leeds occupy 14th place and appear relatively safer but cannot afford complacency in what could be a decisive fixture.
West Ham's recent form presents a concerning picture for the home supporters, with the Hammers managing just one victory in their last five Premier League matches. Their defeats on May 17 against Newcastle, May 10 at home to Arsenal, and the comprehensive May 2 loss at Brentford have left them desperately seeking points. The sole bright spot came with their May 25 victory over Everton, but this was sandwiched between disappointing results that have intensified the pressure heading into this crucial final day fixture. The team's defensive vulnerabilities have been exposed repeatedly, conceding significant goals in recent outings while struggling to maintain consistency in attack.
Leeds arrive in better form and spirits, having secured a vital May 17 victory over Brighton at home, following their resilient May 11 draw away to Tottenham. Daniel Farke's team demonstrated their attacking prowess with a convincing May 1 victory against Burnley, though their FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea on April 26 will have been disappointing. The visitors have shown greater defensive solidity and attacking threat in recent weeks, putting them in a stronger position both psychologically and practically for this encounter.
Read our see expert picks for additional insight on this fixture.
Neither team reports injury concerns, meaning both managers have full squads available for team selection. This depth could prove crucial in what promises to be an intense, high-pressure encounter where squad rotation and tactical flexibility may determine the outcome on this pivotal final day.
Predicted Lineups
West Ham
Mads Hermansen; Axel Disasi, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Jean-Clair Todibo; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Tomáš Souček, Mateus Fernandes, El Hadji Malick Diouf; Jarrod Bowen, Crysencio Summerville; Callum Wilson
Leeds
Karl Darlow; Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw; Daniel James, Anton Stach, Ethan Ampadu, Ao Tanaka, James Justin; Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Brenden Aaronson
Team Form Analysis
West Ham
League Position: 18West Ham Form Analysis
West Ham's recent Premier League form reveals a team struggling with consistency and defensive stability during the crucial final weeks of the season. Their record of one win, one draw, and three defeats from their last five league matches highlights the mounting pressure on Nuno Espirito Santo's squad. The May 17 defeat at Newcastle was particularly damaging, conceding three goals in what should have been a winnable fixture for a team fighting relegation.
The home loss to Arsenal on May 10 and the comprehensive defeat at Brentford on May 2 exposed significant defensive frailties that have plagued West Ham throughout this difficult campaign. However, their May 25 victory over Everton demonstrated the team's capability when performing at their peak, suggesting the quality exists within the squad to secure results when pressure mounts.
Attacking contributions have been inconsistent, with the team struggling to convert possession into clear-cut scoring opportunities against well-organized defensive units. The May 20 draw with Crystal Palace showed defensive improvement but highlighted ongoing issues in the final third. West Ham's ability to respond under extreme pressure will be thoroughly tested in this final day encounter.
Leeds
League Position: 14Leeds Form Analysis
Leeds have demonstrated significantly improved form during the crucial final phase of the Premier League season, collecting seven points from their last five league fixtures. Their May 17 victory over Brighton showcased the attacking fluidity and defensive organization that Daniel Farke has been developing throughout the campaign. The resilient May 11 draw away to Tottenham highlighted their growing maturity in high-pressure situations against quality opposition.
The comprehensive May 1 victory against Burnley was particularly impressive, with Leeds scoring three goals while maintaining defensive discipline throughout the encounter. This result demonstrated the attacking threat they possess when their creative players find rhythm and space. Their FA Cup semi-final experience against Chelsea, despite the defeat on April 26, will have provided valuable experience in high-stakes encounters.
Leeds have shown greater consistency in recent weeks compared to their opponents, with improved defensive stability allowing their attacking players more freedom to express themselves. The May 22 draw with Bournemouth showed character to recover from a difficult position, indicating strong mentality within the squad. Their recent form trajectory suggests a team building momentum at precisely the right moment in the season.
Head-to-Head
West Ham
Leeds
Recent Meetings
| Date | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-04-05 | West Ham | 2 - 2 | Leeds |
| 2025-10-24 | Leeds | 2 - 1 | West Ham |
| 2023-05-21 | West Ham | 3 - 1 | Leeds |
| 2023-01-04 | Leeds | 2 - 2 | West Ham |
| 2022-01-16 | West Ham | 2 - 3 | Leeds |
| 2022-01-09 | West Ham | 2 - 0 | Leeds |
| 2021-09-25 | Leeds | 1 - 2 | West Ham |
| 2021-03-08 | West Ham | 2 - 0 | Leeds |
| 2020-12-11 | Leeds | 1 - 2 | West Ham |
| 2012-03-17 | Leeds | 1 - 1 | West Ham |
Memorable Matches
The recent history between West Ham and Leeds has produced entertaining encounters with goals and drama. Their most recent meeting on April 5 ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw that showcased both teams' attacking capabilities while highlighting defensive vulnerabilities that have characterized both sides this season. The October 2025 clash saw Leeds secure a narrow 2-1 victory, demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure at crucial moments.
Looking back to their May 2023 encounter, West Ham secured a convincing 3-1 victory that highlighted their potential when firing on all cylinders. The January 2023 meeting produced another 2-2 draw, suggesting these teams are closely matched and capable of producing unpredictable results. Their historical encounters often feature multiple goals and momentum swings, indicating both teams' tendency to prioritize attacking play over defensive solidity, which should make for an engaging spectacle on this final day of the season.
Venue Factor
London Stadium has become a fortress that West Ham desperately need to utilize effectively in this crucial relegation battle. The home crowd's support will be vital in creating an atmosphere that can inspire the players while potentially unsettling Leeds' rhythm and concentration. West Ham's familiarity with the pitch dimensions and playing conditions should provide tactical advantages that Nuno Espirito Santo will be keen to exploit.
Leeds' traveling support has been impressive throughout the season, and their away form suggests they are comfortable performing in hostile environments. Daniel Farke's team has shown resilience on their travels, suggesting they will not be intimidated by the occasion or atmosphere at London Stadium.
The pressure of playing at home could prove double-edged for West Ham, as their supporters will demand positive results while any early setbacks could create nervous energy that transfers to the players. Leeds may benefit from reduced pressure expectations as the visiting team, allowing them to play with greater freedom and expression. The venue factor could prove decisive if West Ham can harness their home support effectively while managing the psychological pressure of this crucial encounter.
Injury Concerns
West Ham
Leeds
