Simon Jordan Leeds United prediction would be 'ultimate humiliation' for West Ham - opinion

West Ham face a short turnaround this week with a trip to Leeds United in the calendar for Friday evening, offering Nuno Espirito Santo’s side the chance of quick redemption following defeat to Brentford.

That 2-0 loss was far from the heaviest defeat suffered by the Hammers this season but the lacklustre nature of the fixture was cause for serious concern. A visit to Elland Road is never easy but the London outfit can take hope in the fact that the hosts have suffered back-to-back losses.

A win would see West Ham leapfrog Nottingham Forest and move into 18th place, still one place and one point behind Leeds United. Previewing the game on talkSPORT, Simon Jordan gave his prediction for the match.

Simon Jordan makes Leeds United v West Ham prediction

He said: “You’ve got to say, it’s at Elland Road, you’d expect Leeds to win. If [Dominic] Calvert-Lewin can eventually score a goal, then it is Leeds’ match to win. If Nuno goes up there, locks them up, and gets a point, he’ll be happily coming back down the M1 in a good frame of mind.”

A point on the road would somewhat help temporarily stop the rot at West Ham but, should the side drop points due to Calvert-Lewin hitting the back of the net, that would be the ultimate humiliation.

Calvert-Lewin left Everton as a free agent this summer and was heavily linked with a move to West Ham to take the place of Michail Antonio. However, nothing came of that and the Hammers eventually plumped for former Newcastle United man Callum Wilson.

‘Nothing Particular’: Nuno on Callum Wilson snub

Both Wilson and Calvert-Lewin have scored just once for their respective sides in the Premier League this season but seeing the latter thrive would be painful for West Ham given the current striker situation at the club. Where Calvert-Lewin remains trusted and starting every game, Wilson has been axed from Nuno’s immediate plans.

The 33-year-old has now been snubbed by Nuno in two consecutive league matches with West Ham losing, the manager instead opting for the inexperienced Callum Marshall. The former Nottingham Forest boss is clearly not convinced by what Wilson has to offer.

Speaking after the Brentford defeat, Nuno told the press there was ‘nothing particular’ behind his decision not to use Wilson, giving a feeling of apathy towards his striking options. If Jordan is right, and Calvert-Lewin sinks West Ham, it’s going to be a particularly painful watch given summer transfer rumours.

In other news, Gary O'Neil names ex West Ham 'colossus' as only man who can stop Man City star Erling Haaland.