The West Ham captain was asked about facing Leeds after his side’s penalty shoot-out win over Brentford
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
10:11, 10 Mar 2026
Jarrod Bowen celebrates after scoring vs Brentford(Image: Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Jarrod Bowen is not under-estimating Leeds United’s ability to beat West Ham United in next month’s quarter-final clash, but believes the club’s penalty shoot-out win over Premier League opposition puts them on a good footing.
The Hammers defeated Brentford on penalties last night to set up a home tie against Leeds on either April 4 or 5. United had registered a penalty shoot-out win themselves in the last round against Birmingham City prior to Sunday’s 3-0 last-16 triumph over Norwich City.
They met Derby County in the opening third round tie, meaning the Whites have yet to play Premier League opposition in the competition. Leeds have not reached the quarter-finals of the competition since 2003 and it has been 39 years since they made the semi-finals.
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The tie against West Ham will be a precursor to their meeting on the final day of the Premier League season in what could be a relegation shoot-out, albeit there is still a long way to go with eight top-flight matches to play before then.
Leeds sit three points above West Ham, who occupy the highest relegation place in 18th. Of course, cup competitions always bring a different dynamic and while Daniel Farke says it is still “not realistic” that Leeds lift the trophy at Wembley, he is allowing fans to dream.
Hammers supporters will feel the same yet captain Bowen is keenly aware of the threat United pose following their 2-1 home win over his side back in October’s Premier League encounter.
Speaking to TNT Sports after West Ham’s penalty shoot-out win over Brentford, the England international said: “Leeds are a really good side and will want to do well in the FA Cup as well, but we saw what we did at home today against a Premier League side.”
The other FA Cup quarter-final fixtures see Manchester City host Liverpool, League One outfit Port Vale travel to Chelsea and Arsenal visit Southampton.