Leeds United v West Ham - Rodrigo's key battle, Jarrod Bowen's role, Said Benrahma's point to prove and Graham Smyth's prediction

The Whites do battle with the Hammers for the first time at Elland Road since March 2012, when a Luciano Becchio goal in the 83rd minute gave Leeds a 1-1 Championship draw.

Here's where we think the key battle lies, who Leeds must keep a close eye on and how we see it panning out.

KEY BATTLE

Rodrigo v Declan Rice

Leeds are likely to come up against a well organised, structured and stubborn defence tonight, which makes Rodrigo's role all the more crucial. He has the ability to create chances for others and for himself and must get the better of defensive midfielder and Kalvin Phillips' England team-mate Rice to give Leeds a chance of unlocking the door.

KEY MAN FOR WEST HAM

Jarrod Bowen

If, as Mateusz Klich has predicted, the Hammers come to sit in and hit Leeds on the break in the way Leicester City did, Jarrod Bowen will be hugely important for the visitors. The Whites know all about him from five previous encounters, all with Hull City, from which he grabbed two goals. His pace and finishing ability make him a threat on the counter attack and a man Leeds must subdue. Given the importance of pace and ball carrying ability when you play against Leeds, their press and the man-marking system, it wouldn't be a huge surprise to see Saïd Benrahma feature for West Ham. A summer transfer target, until Elland Road interest cooled, he might just feel he has a point to prove as well.

YEP PREDICTION

This is a chance for Leeds to show that they learned the lessons from the Leicester and Palace defeats, and an opportunity for Rodrigo to cement his starting role. The first goal will be absolutely key. If it goes the way of the hosts I can see a win by a score of 3-1 because the Hammers will have to come out and play and Leeds excel in open games. If not, expect West Ham to frustrate Marcelo Bielsa’s men and strike on the counter attack to take the points.