West Ham vs Leeds: The three key match-ups that could decide FA Cup clash
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Credit: Imago Sat 4 April 2026 17:00, UK West Ham United will clash with Leeds United at the London Stadium on Sunday as both teams vie for a place in the FA Cup semi-final.Both sides have been threatened by relegation from the Premier League this season, but have enjoyed strong runs in the cup.The Hammers have beaten QPR and Burton Albion on their way, and progressed last month after beating Brentford on penalties.Leeds also needed penalties to get past Birmingham City in February, and have also beaten Derby County and Norwich City to earn their place.Here, Football Insider looks at three match-ups that will be key to deciding if it will be West Ham or Leeds to progress on Sunday. ⚽ Leeds United Matchday ⚽ Team news, line-ups, expert previews and verdicts, and tactical analysis for every Leeds fixture. Noah OkaforPremier League 2025-26Appearances24Goals4Chances created14Successful dribbles33Touches in opposition box61Duels won78Thankfully, Okafor returned to action against Brentford before the international break and did not join up with the Switzerland camp, allowing him a period of recovery.Starting on the left, the 25-year-old will likely be faced up against Kyle Walker-Peters, who could be handed the start amid Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s international commitments this week.The defender has started in every FA Cup game so far, and has proven himself a worth replacement for the DR Congo international.He will face a strong test up against Okafor, however, who has been a breath of fresh air at times for Leeds.Should Dominic Calvert-Lewin be missing, the winger will certainly be the danger man for the visitors.Jarrod Bowen vs Pascal StruijkCrysencio Summerville has stolen the limelight at West Ham of late, but there has never been any doubt about who the main man at the London Stadium is.
Jarrod Bowen continues to be Nuno’s big hitter, and you get the feeling that he still has a massive part to play this season. With 10 goals across all competitions so far, Bowen is even having somewhat of an off year, by his standards, but there is still plenty of time for his best to emerge.Pascal Struijk will likely be the man tasked with keeping an eye on the England international, and he has a crucial job.Allow Bowen even the slightest amount of space inside the box, and he will punish Leeds.Mateus Fernandes vs Anton StachAnton Stach and Mateus Fernandes arrived at Leeds and West Ham, respectively, last summer, and have gone on to become key components in each team’s midfield.The former likes to get up and down the pitch, often appearing in the box to cause chaos for his opposing defenders.
Like his opposite number, however, he can certainly go both ways. Stach, from free-kicks and Fernandes, from open play, both players have amassed a collection of screamers this season. 🚨 Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Leeds United Insider Access Get the full story from Elland Road and Thorp Arch with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of West Yorkshire.