Farke urges Leeds to make Elland Road a 'fortress' ahead of West Ham clash

Daniel Farke has urged his side to make Elland Road a "fortress" ahead of Leeds United's early-season six-pointer against West Ham in the Premier League on Friday.

Leeds, who sit 16th with eight points from eight matches, will be aiming to end a three-game winless run, having lost 2-0 to fellow newly-promoted side Burnley last weekend.

The hosts have, however, enjoyed their top-flight fixtures in front of their home supporters, earning five of their eight points at home, with one win, two draws, and only one defeat.

But they have failed to beat West Ham on home soil since February 2003, drawing twice and losing twice in their last four meetings there.

"I'm pleased with the way we play, and how dominant we are. We had several games where we were able to collect points," Farke said during his pre-match press conference.

"It's always crucial as a newly promoted side to make your home stadium a fortress.

"If you look at the teams that have lasted a while [in the Premier League], they have really, really good home records."

West Ham, meanwhile, have picked up all their points away from home this season and will look to continue that trend with another strong performance on the road as they fight to climb out of the bottom three.

Nuno Espirito Santo is still on the hunt for his maiden victory as Hammers' boss since taking over from Graham Potter, drawing one and losing two of his opening three games in charge, falling to a 2-0 defeat to Brentford on Monday. 

West Ham find themselves in 19th with just four points and will be desperate to halt a five-game streak without victory.

"We are not getting enough points – that's the main issue," Nuno said.

"To do that, we must improve our game. We must play better – home and away and in training sessions. No matter where.

"We have to improve our players. We need to improve their fitness, tactical awareness – everything. We concede a lot of set-pieces – too many – but we defend them pretty well.

"We are improving on that, but we need to improve on not conceding. Some of them are easy situations we can solve."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Leeds United – Noah Okafor

Since joining the Whites in the summer, Okafor has featured five times for the club in the Premier League, and has found the back of the net on two occasions.

The forward has scored from 100% of his shots on target, averaging a goal every 154 minutes.

West Ham United – Jarrod Bowen

Bowen has been an exception to the rule at the London Stadium this season, having been one of the few shining lights for the Hammers.

The forward has scored three goals in eight appearances, equating to a whopping 50% of West Ham's entire season tally.

MATCH PREDICTION: LEEDS UNITED WIN

Leeds, who won eight of nine home league meetings with West Ham between 1996 and 2005, are now winless in their last four against the Hammers at Elland Road (D2 L2).

West Ham, meanwhile, have claimed four victories in their past six league encounters with Leeds (D1 L1) — matching the total number of wins they managed in the previous 37 meetings (D12 L21).

After falling to a 3-0 defeat to newly promoted Sunderland on the opening weekend, the Irons will be wary of back-to-back losses against promoted teams for the first time since December 2017, when they were beaten by both Brighton and Newcastle.

Their 2-1 loss to Tottenham in their most recent home outing brought an end to a 23-match unbeaten league run at Elland Road (W18 D5). Leeds last suffered consecutive home league defeats in May 2024.

Leeds are averaging 13 shots per game in the Premier League this season — the highest figure for a promoted team since their own 2020-21 campaign (13.7). However, their finishing has been far less clinical, with a conversion rate of just 6.7%, their lowest in any league season since records began in 2013-14.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Leeds United – 43.4%

Draw – 26.7%

West Ham United – 29.8%