Verdict: Both teams to score – yes
Best Odds: 8/15
Bookmaker: 888sport
Both West Ham United and Leicester City are coming off negative results during their Boxing Day fixture, and both teams are looking to bounce back as they aim to end the 2019 calendar year on a high note. Leicester will end the year in the Top 3 no matter what, while The Hammers will look to take a step away from the red zone. This match will kick-off Saturday at 17:30 GMT at Olympic Stadium.
West Ham United
West Ham United have struggled defensively in recent weeks, as they have conceded three or more goals in each of their last three home games at Olympic Stadium. Their recent results have not been very good, either. Manuel Pellegrini’s men have lost three of their last four contests, and they dropped their Boxing Day fixture 2-1 at Crystal Palace. Those results have dropped West Ham United to 17th place in the standings (19 points) and while they remain clear of relegation so far, they only sit two points above the red zone. That’s not what Pellegrini had envisioned when assembling a competitive roster ahead of the 2019-20 campaign, and there’s no question West Ham must improve as soon as possible. But considering they have a W5, D4, L9 mark this season – and a W2, D1, L5 record at home – that might not be possible here.
Team News
Aaron Cresswell has been ruled out due to a suspension. Jack Wilshere (groin) and Andriy Yarmolenko (thigh) have also been ruled out.
David Martin (thigh), Winston Reid (undisclosed) and Lukasz Fabianski (thigh) have all been listed as questionable.
Leicester City
The Foxes remain one of the biggest surprises of the Premier League this season, as they sit in second place of the standings with 39 points. However, Leicester probably enter this matchup riding their worst run of form of the campaign since they are coming off a 4-0 home defeat against the league leaders, Liverpool. That loss extended their losing run to two matches, and their winless streak to five games. Their position in the standings will depend on what happens with Manchester City and Wolves on Friday afternoon, but they will end on the Top 3 no matter what. It has been a successful first half to the season for them, but they need to keep this run going. They enter this matchup with a negative H2H record against The Hammers, however. Leicester are on a four-game winless run against West Ham in the Premier League (D3, L1).
Team News
Leicester City should be close to full strength entering this game.
Their lone absentee will be Matty James, who continues to recover from an Achilles tendon injury.
Key Factors to Consider
- West Ham enter this game on a three-game losing streak at Olympic Stadium. They have allowed over 2.5 goals in each one of those defeats.
- The Hammers have the joint-lowest total of points at home. They own seven points after eight matches, having won just two of those contests.
- Leicester City are on a three-game winless run in the Premier League. Two of those matches, however, have ended with both teams scoring.
- Entertainment could be likely. Four of Leicester’s last five matches in all competitions have ended with over 2.5 goals.
- When it comes to the H2H record, only two games have featured over 2.5 goals. But four of those have seen both teams scoring.
Conclusion
Four of the last five matches between these two sides have ended with both teams scoring. That run should continue given the fact both teams are coming off losses here, and both are in dire need of the points. Expect this game to see both teams scoring once again.
Verdict: Both teams to score – yes
Best Odds: 8/15
Bookmaker: 888sport
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