Prediction: West Ham United vs Huddersfield Town

Verdict: Huddersfield to win & both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 15/2

Bookmaker: bet365

The Olympic Stadium in London will be the venue where the fourth Matchweek of the English Premier League will end. West Ham United will host Huddersfield this Monday, and it will be an authentic clash of extreme situations. While Huddersfield are unbeaten and could move to the top of the standings with a win, West Ham are yet to win in their first three games. Kick-off is scheduled for Monday at 4:00 PM BST, and Kevin Friend will be the referee.

West Ham United

It is safe to say that no one expected this beginning from West Ham United. Despite making some solid moves in the transfer window, The Hammers have lost their first three games of the season and sit last in the standings. One of the big reasons why they have been so bad is their lack of defensive ability, since they have allowed a whopping 10 goals in just three matches while only scoring twice. That’s a recipe for disaster, and things get even more complicated if we consider that West Ham won’t have two of their best players – Marko Arnautovic and Manuel Lanzini – available for this game. The London-based side will rebound and start winning at some point, but it needs to happen soon. Otherwise, they might get stuck in a relegation battle they don’t want to be part of.

Team News

The Hammers will have a few absentees ahead of Monday’s contest.

Marko Arnautovic is suspended after being sent off in the last match, and Manuel Lanzini has been ruled out with a knee injury. Meanwhile, Edimilson Fernandes is doubtful due to an ankle problem. One positive aspect, however, is the return of Andy Carroll (groin) and Winston Reid (calf), as both will be available and in the squad.

Huddersfield Town

Can anyone doubt that Huddersfield have been one of the biggest surprises in the Premier League this season? The recently-promoted side has been nothing short of impressive, and currently sit near the top of the standings with seven points after three matches. One of the biggest reasons why they have been so good is their defensive work, as Huddersfield have kept 3 clean sheets in a row. They are the only team in the league that has not conceded yet, and maintaining that streak will be pivotal to escape with a win away from home. Granted, Huddersfield are not going to play like this for the entire season, and will certainly come down to earth sooner than later. But they need to take advantage of the positive run they are going through. And they have a great chance of extending it considering West Ham’s poor form to start the year.

Team News

Jon Stankovic remains sidelined with a knee problem, and the 21-year-old midfielder is yet to play this season.

Jonathan Hogg (ankle) and Martin Cranie (hip) are doubtful. Both will require to pass a late-fitness test to determine whether they will play or not.

Key Factors to Consider

• Huddersfield have kept 3 clean sheets in a row. They are the only Premier League side that has not conceded a goal yet.
• West Ham have lost their three EPL matches this season, scoring twice and conceding 10 times over that span.
• Each of the last 5 matches that West Ham have played had over 2.5 goals.
• Huddersfield’s Jonas Lossl can become the fourth goalkeeper to keep clean sheets in each of his first four Premier League matches. The others who have done it are Pepe Reina, Alex Manninger and Anders Lindegaard.
• West Ham won 3-0 in their last meeting with Huddersfield Town. It came during the 1997-98 League Cup, and John Hartson netted a hat-trick.

Conclusion

Huddersfield are favourites here, and for good reason. They have started the season on a strong note, and even though they might not get a fourth straight clean sheet since the defensive line will eventually come down the earth, they are still likely to get the three points.

Huddersfield win and both teams to score seems like a safe pick considering both teams’ form and current status.

Verdict: Huddersfield to win & both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 15/2

Bookmaker: bet365