This is the battle of the two most impressive dark horses of the season. The Hammers and The Foxes are both eyeing for the Champions League spot next season. For now, Leicester is sitting above West Ham by four points margin. Yet, it does not guarantee anything as both sides have been inconsistent lately. This clash could be a decisive one for their own chances for continental competition.
The teams’ previous games
The Hammers managed to snatch a win while taking on Wolves last weekend. Jesse Lingard once again was the key man in their victory. He scored an opener, made the key pass for Pablo Fornals’s goal and provided an assists for Jarred Bowen’s. Wolves did respond but only twice through Leander Dedoncker’s header and Fabio Silva’s strike.
Meanwhile, Leicester City were hapless when facing off Manchester City last weekend. They were dismantled 0-2 last weekend by Benjamin Mendy’s goal and Gabi Jesus’s goal. It was their eighth defeat this season.
Possible tactic
David Moyes is grateful with Jesse Lindgard’s form. His presence does provide more dynamic in their attack. The Manchester United loanee would continue featuring as the number ten in 4-2-3-1 formation behind Jarred Bowen who would cover Michael Antonio’s absence due to his injury. In the midfield, Declan Rice’s injury would be a blow for them. Moyes might patch up Tomas Soucek with Mark Noble. On both wings, Pablo Fornals and Arthur Masuaku will probably get a nod again to play wide. Some other names who will be ruled out are Angelo Ogbonna, Andrey Yarmolenko and Darren Randolph.
Brendan Rodgers will have to come up with different tactical approach as some of his key men are sidelined such as Harvey Barnes, Caglar Soyuncu, Cengiz Under, Ricardo Perreira, James Justin and Wes Morgan. The Northern Ireland boss could deploy 4-3-1-2 here. Jamie Vardy and Kelechi Iheanacho would still be the duo frontman while James Maddison is already fit and could return as the number ten. In the defence, Johhny Evans and Wesley Fofana will still be the last two men before the goalie with Ricardo Perreira and Luke Thomas or Timothy Castagne operating as wing back.
Players to watch
Jesse Lindgard has been deadly since he arrived in London stadium. He has contributed six goals and three assists in only eight matches. Some other notable name to watch are the top scorer Tomas Soucek and Jarred Bowen.
Leicester’s top performers lately are the Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho who has netted six goals this season. The return of James Maddison would certainly add more intensity and creativity in the attacking build up.
West Ham vs Leicester City Prediction
The absence of Michael Antonio and Declan Rice could be an advantage for Brendan Rodgers’ men to pick up three points. Yet, Leicester misses their rock at the backline. Without Soyuncu, their defence could be penetrated more easily. A stalemate is more likely here.
Betting odds
According to the punters, the game is bound to be even. The home side are backed to win at 21/10, whereas Jamie Vardy and Co’s win market is at 19/12. The draw result is at the value of 7/2.
