West Ham United's trip to Elland Road this evening is their first in the Premier League for nearly 18 years, and the East Londoners are without a win in this part of West Yorkshire for even longer.
This weekend, they are faced with the prospect of starting without Michail Antonio yet again who has become something of a reliable goalscorer for the Hammers of late. Left wing-back Arthur Masuaku posted a photograph on Instagram earlier this week indicating he had undergone surgery, but quickly deleted the post, which suggests he will be missing for the Irons' 12th game of the season too.
Aside from that, West Ham could be missing just Ryan Fredericks on top of that this evening, with the right-back having missed recent games with a groin injury.
That means, David Moyes could be ready to welcome on-loan Watford centre-back Craig Dawson into his side, particularly given Masuaku's injury will mean a defensive reshuffle. Dawson is yet to make his West Ham United bow but was a Premier League stalwart with the relegated Hornets.
Likewise, Moyes may have a ready-made attacking replacement for Antonio, as Andriy Yarmolenko could potentially return to the fold after a positive COVID-19 test last month.
The Ukrainian returned from international duty but was forced to self-isolate following his positive test, and has been building fitness instead of participating in recent fixtures.
It is possible both will be included on Moyes' bench, but either could be called upon at any moment during the 90 minutes at Elland Road.
The Hammers' away form is surprisingly positive going into this one, but that has been predicated upon similar line-ups and defensive solidity; a luxury they may no longer be afforded with Masuaku's anticipated absence.
Marcelo Bielsa will need to keep his players focused on the task at hand, and pay little attention to who will and won't feature.
The Argentine confirmed his starting XI in his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, much to the surprise of journalists and David Moyes.
That said, there will understandably be some intrigue if the returning Yarmolenko was to be involved in Moyes' attacking setup from the start. Similarly, if Dawson found himself in the starting XI despite not having made a Premier League matchday squad as of yet, that would come as something of a surprise, and an opportunity for Leeds to exploit some rustiness.
