Leeds United travel to the London Stadium next Sunday to take on West Ham United in the FA Cup quarter-finals, with anticipation building ahead of the tie.
Although their main focus is still on staying up in the Premier League, this first match after the international break presents a great chance to move a step closer to Wembley.
It’s been over two decades since the Whites last made it to the final eight of the FA Cup, and this meeting with West Ham feels like a real opportunity to push on into the semi-finals.
It remains to be seen whether both teams, still battling near the bottom of the table, will go with full-strength line-ups. Either way, Shay Given has already made a big prediction ahead of the game.
Shay Given makes a strong prediction for the West Ham v Leeds clash
Leeds are focused on securing survival in the Premier League. However, it is hard to ignore that they are one game away from playing at Wembley this season.
West Ham are still in the relegation zone, and their focus is the same as the Whites’. However, the FA Cup is a chance for the club to redeem itself this season.
There is no clarity on how many of their top players the two clubs are prepared to risk to book an FA Cup semi-final spot, but Given is clear about the result.
The former goalkeeper is confident that the Hammers are likely to beat Leeds at the London Stadium on Sunday.
He said on The Overlap’s fan debate: “West Ham vs Leeds? I think West Ham will win that.”
West Ham have a couple of injury problems ahead of the game, while the Whites are unsure about Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s availability after he suffered a hamstring issue in training.
Will either team field their best eleven?
For Leeds United supporters, the idea of a Wembley trip for an FA Cup semi-final is hugely appealing. It is exactly the kind of run they have been craving for years.
But for Daniel Farke and the club, Premier League survival has to come first. Staying up carries far more weight than a one-off appearance in the last four.
With both sides caught in the relegation battle, there is also a risk factor. Neither team will want to lose key players heading into the final stretch of the Premier League season.
Ultimately, Leeds’ priorities are clear. Their future hinges on staying in the top flight, which is why all eyes are on the last seven league games rather than getting swept up in cup excitement.
