Boss Sam Allardyce made three changes to his side for last weekend’s hosting of highflying Newcastle United as Robin Koch, Sam Greenwood and Rodrigo came into the XI at the expense of
Marc Roca, Adam Forshaw and Willy Gnonto who all dropped to the bench.
Forshaw then replaced Greenwood at the half-time break before Gnonto took the place of Jack Harrison four minutes after the hour. There were then late introductions for Brenden Aaronson and Pascal Struijk who replaced Rodrigo and then Patrick Bamford respectively as Leeds took a 2-2 draw against the Magpies.
There will definitely be at least one change for Sunday’s clash against the Irons as left back Junior Firpo is now suspended having been sent off in the closing stages against Newcastle. Third-bottom Leeds have just two games left to escape the drop zone and this is the XI that we think will step out at the London Stadium.
7. CM - Adam Forshaw
Forshaw dropped to the bench last weekend having still only recently returned from injury but replaced Sam Greenwood at the interval and the 31-year-old has impressed since coming back into the fray. Whether he can last a full 90 remains to be seen but the start at West Ham will be key and Forshaw must surely must start if anywhere near fit enough to do so. A second and key change, in for Greenwood in the middle of the park. Photo: Clive Mason
8. CM - Weston McKennie
Bringing Marc Roca back into the fold is the obvious alternative but McKennie has played every minute under Allardyce so far and on that basis would seem to have a good chance of staying in the team on the assumption that United's manager again opts for the 4-3-3/4-5-1. Photo: Alex Livesey
9. RW - Rodrigo
Allardyce found room for strikers Rodrigo and Patrick Bamford together against Newcastle as Rodrigo lined up on the right side of a three-man attack. The same again might be in store against the Hammers. Photo: Stu Forster
10. LW - Jack Harrison
Oh what Leeds would do for a repeat of his heroics in last year's West Ham visit. Harrison is another option as a centre-midfielder but Allardyce has started him out wide in both of his two games in charge so far and he looks a pretty safe bet to stay there although Willy Gnonto is clearly the main alternative but a player who has having to be content with coming on from the bench of late. Photo: Alex Livesey
11. ST - Patrick Bamford
A massive call and there is the obvious option to play Rodrigo as the no 9 and then have both Harrison and Gnonto supporting either side. But Allardyce has backed Bamford to the hilt since his arrival and he might well get another chance to respond in style after last weekend's penalty miss although it must be remembered that Bamford did play a key role in both of United's two goals. Photo: Michael Steele