Leeds United will travel to the London Stadium next weekend to take on West Ham, knowing that they could play a big part in deciding the final relegation spot.
West Ham’s 3-1 defeat at Newcastle United on Sunday left them scrapping for Premier League survival going into the final day of the season next weekend.
If Tottenham manage to avoid a defeat at Chelsea, West Ham would be effectively relegated even before a ball is kicked against Leeds at the London Stadium.
West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo has urged his players to show some respect to the home fans with a performance against the Whites. However, it still doesn’t explain Opta’s claim about the game.
Supercomputer drops West Ham vs Leeds verdict
The Whites are unbeaten in five and are going into the West Ham game on Sunday high on confidence after finishing their home season with a dramatic win over Brighton.
West Ham have lost three on the bounce and could be relegated before they face the Whites this weekend, which could further dampen the mood inside the London Stadium.
However, Opta have tipped West Ham as favourites against Leeds this weekend, which feels surprising considering the recent form of both sides.
According to their predictions, West Ham have more than a 38 per cent chance of taking all three points at the London Stadium, while Leeds have been given just under a 35 per cent chance of winning.
There is also better than a one-in-four chance that the match between the two sides will end in a draw.
Tonight may decide the game on Sunday
West Ham were unlucky to lose against Arsenal and Brentford, but were thoroughly deserving of their defeat against Newcastle United on Sunday.
The Hammers will have to lift their game immensely against a Leeds side that are not prepared to drop their guard even after confirming survival.
West Ham’s attitude on Sunday will depend on what happens at Stamford Bridge tonight between Chelsea and Tottenham.
If Spurs lose tonight, we may see a hungrier West Ham side who would be clutching and clawing to win and give themselves a chance to survive.
However, if Tottenham avoid a defeat tonight, Leeds may end up facing a Hammers side struggling to remain motivated, even at home.
