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Sam Allardyce needs to reinstate this “vital” Leeds United duo v West Ham – View

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Leeds United take on West Ham this weekend knowing that anything other than a win leaves them on the brink of relegation.

Sam Allardyce’s men take on a second successive former club of the 68-year-old this weekend as Leeds travel down to West Ham on Sunday.

Off the back of a strong performance and draw at home to Newcastle United, the need for good performances is out of the window in place of the need for Leeds to start winning matches.

To do that, he will have to make some changes from the side that earned that 2-2 draw, and here, we look at the two players we think need to come into the starting lineup this weekend…

Adam Forshaw

Question marks persist over Forshaw’s ability to play a full 90 minutes for Leeds, but one thing is certain – they cannot afford to not have him in the lineup in midfield.

Sam Greenwood started against the Magpies with his inclusion quite obvious for one key reason, set-pieces, but he was unable to make that count with any real threat for Leeds.

From open play, he struggled a lot to cope with the intensity of the match, despite linking up with Junior Firpo for the penalty Leeds won and then missed.

Forshaw came on in the second half and took control of Leeds’ setup in the middle, giving the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and co far less time in possession.

Against West Ham, Leeds are going to need his composure in possession to take control of the match.

West Ham v Leeds predictions?

West Ham win

West Ham win

Draw

Draw

Leeds win

Leeds win

Willy Gnonto

It’s fairly simple, Big Sam has to find a way to play his match-winners at all times.

With Patrick Bamford costing Leeds in the final third, he has to drop out of the side for someone who can score when the chances come his way.

What that should mean is Rodrigo moving central after playing on the right, allowing Willy Gnonto to come into the side as a winger.

The Italian scored in the reverse of this fixture and was a constant menace to the Irons defence alongside Crysencio Summerville and Rodrigo.

Gnonto is one of Leeds’ best players, and it is vital that he plays because of that.

Quiz: Can you remember Leeds United’s last 15 results v West Ham ahead of Sunday’s clash?

1 of 15

January 2023

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Leeds United season ticket holder since 2013/14, currently situated in the middle of the FA5 noise. From Pablo Hernandez to 5-1 drubbings, I've seen it all at Elland Road.