Leeds: West Ham will have history on their side in FA Cup clash as Daniel Farke eyes new ground

Leeds United will hope to reach the FA Cup semi-final for the first time since 1987 when they play West Ham United at the London Stadium on Sunday.

The Whites beat Norwich City 3-0 at Elland Road last month to set up the clash, which will be the second of three meetings between the sides this season.

Daniel Farke’s side won the first game 2-1 in October, and the last game, which will take place on the final day, could still be crucial in the race for Premier League safety.

The Hammers currently sit four points behind Leeds and in the relegation zone, although Nottingham Forest and Tottenham separate them.

Despite having looked to propel themselves away from the drop, Leeds’ form over the last few months has seen them dragged back into the scrap.

Leeds will be fighting the stats in FA Cup clash

West Ham are the favourites against Leeds, having enjoyed a better second period of form since the turn of the year.

The Hammers have beaten Fulham, Burnley, Sunderland and Tottenham in the Premier League, and progressed in the FA Cup against QPR, Burton Albion and Brentford.

And Nuno Espirito Santo will hope that, despite their ongoing battle against relegation, his team can mark a trip to Wembley in the diary.

Leeds will hope for similar, although they will not be fancying their chances after a quick glance at the history.

The Whites have not qualified for the FA Cup semi-final since 1987, when they lost to Coventry City 3-2 in extra time.

They’ve been to the quarter-final three times since then, losing to Liverpool, Wolves and Sheffield United.

In fact, of their last 18 FA Cup ties against Premier League opposition, they have progressed just twice.

Daniel Farke aiming to make Leeds history

Leeds’ solitary FA Cup lift came in the 1971-72 season, when Allan Clarke scored the only goal as the Whites beat Arsenal at Wembley Stadium.

1987’s heartbreak loss to Coventry is the closest they have come since, until now. Sunday’s quarter-final offers a superb opportunity, with a semi-final return to Wembley on the cards.

Speaking before the game, Farke said: “To win the cup is something different, but we’ll take it step by step. We’re on a good path in the Premier League and happy to be in a quarter-final.

“The Premier League is our main priority, but I’m a big believer in the cup. Reaching the semi-finals would be another chapter in the club’s history.”

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