West Ham travel to Leicester on Saturday, knowing that they must win as they enter the final three games of the season with relegation still looming over them. Southampton’s victory over Bournemouth last weekend has thrown the relegation battle wide open, with four teams still fearing the drop.
Defeat for David Moyes’ side will leave them in a precarious situation, with games against Manchester United and Everton still to come, although relegation rivals Huddersfield have United, Chelsea and Arsenal still to play, which is just as tricky. The Hammers came up against champions Manchester City last weekend, putting in a meek display to lose 4-1 which is particularly worrying at this time of the season.
A bonus for Moyes though is Leicester’s recent form. The Foxes have picked up just one point from their last four games, losing 5-0 to Crystal Palace last week. Their season is starting to float away, with nothing left for them to play for, which will give the Hammers a bit of a boost coming into this match. Another bonus for them might be that there are rumours of dressing room unrest at Leicester. Manager Claude Puel has reportedly upset some of the higher-profile players at the club and the notoriously ruthless owners have taken note.
Leicester vs. West Ham Predictions
There’s real hope for West Ham in this game and one more win would see them safe for another season in the top-flight. Leicester’s season has fizzled out and there will likely be an overhaul taking place over the summer. Expect a close-fought win for the Hammers, in a game which will be a bit nervy and lack some quality.
Leicester vs. West Ham Betting Tips
Head to Head
- The Foxes are unbeaten in their last six Premier League meetings with West Ham (W4 D2), since a 0-2 loss at Upton Park in December 2014.
- After winning three of their first five away Premier League games against Leicester (D1 L1), the Hammers are winless in their last five top-flight visits to Filbert Street/King Power Stadium (D2 L3), alternating between defeat and a draw each time.
- West Ham’s only previous victory at the King Power Stadium in all competitions came in a Championship game in April 2012 (2-1 – D2 L3 otherwise).
- Leicester have lost three of their last four Premier League games (D1), more than they had in their previous 10 in the competition (W4 D4 L2).
- West Ham have shipped 67 Premier League goals this season. Only in one campaign have they ever conceded more in the competition (70 in 2010/11 when they finished bottom).
- Indeed, the Hammers have conceded at least four goals in seven different Premier League games this season. Only once have they done so more in a single campaign (eight in 1998/99).
- Leicester have been shown a league-high five red cards in the Premier League this season, while West Ham have had more yellows than any other side (70).
- West Ham have scored in each of their last 10 away Premier League games. They last had a longer run in the top-flight back in December 1966 (14 games).
- Marko Arnautovic has been directly involved in eight goals in his last seven away games for West Ham in the Premier League (5 goals, 3 assists).
- No Premier League defender has been involved in more goals this season that West Ham’s Aaron Cresswell (8, 1 goal, 7 assists).
Leicester City Team News
Marc Albrighton will serve a one-match ban after being sent off against Crystal Palace last weekend. He could be in for a longer spell on the sidelines if the FA deem him guilty of poor behaviour in response to Mike Dean’s decision. Wilfried Ndidi went off injured against Palace and is a doubt ahead of the final week of the season. Kasper Schmeichel and Shinji Okazaki missed out last week and could miss out again.
Probable Leicester XI: Hamer, Simpson, Harry Maguire, Wes Morgan, Ben Chilwell, Riyad Mahrez, Wilfried Ndidi, Andre Silva, Demarai Gray, Kelechi Iheanacho, Jamie Vardy
West Ham United Team News
David Moyes faces a dilemma with the goalkeepers as Joe Hart is eligible again after missing out against parent club Manchester City last week. He could come in to replace Adrian. Andy Carroll looks set to miss out after a bust-up between him and Moyes in the same game. Pedro Obiang, Michail Antonio, Winston Reid and Sam Byram all look set to miss out through injury
Probable West Ham XI: Joe Hart, Declan Rice, Angelo Ogbonna, Aaron Cresswell, Pablo Zabaleta, Cheikhou Kouyate, Mark Noble, Arthur Masuaku, Joao Mario, Manuel Lanzini, Marko Arnautovic
