Verdict: Home win
Best Odds: 7/4
Bookmakers: 888sport
Relegation strugglers West Ham United take on Leicester City on Friday night as David Moyes takes charge of his first Hammers home game. Hosts are desperate for points following back-to-back defeats which pushed them further down in the standings.
West Ham
David Moyes went off to a losing start of his West Ham tenure as his side slumped to a 2-0 defeat at Watford last Sunday. The Hammers failed to produce any improvement to their disappointing form which saw them go winless in the Premier League since September.
West Ham currently sit in 18th place in the standings with only nine points to their name after 12 rounds of the English top tier and will be desperate to secure three important points in their new boss’ first home match in charge. A win could see West Ham get out of the relegation zone, even if only temporary. More importantly, a win would be a more permanent morale boost and we fully expect to see the hosts give all they got to win. David Moyes’ arrival is yet to result in a change of dynamics and West Ham are yet to show improvement in their style of play. Ahead of the vital clash against Leicester City, David Moyes will have a couple of selection issues which should be taken into serious consideration when analysing the potential outcome of the game.
Team News
West Ham’s summer recruits Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez have both been ruled out with injuries.
Sam Bryam is not expected to be back before December, whereas Jose Fonte faces another two months on the sidelines. Michail Antonio also remains unavailable, but Andre Ayew’s potential return could provide a positive boost for the hosts.
Leicester City
Claude Puel has thus far had a mixed record at Leicester City’s helm. Former Southampton boss won one, drawn one and lost one since Puel came onboard but progress is nevertheless visible for former Premier League champions.
The Foxes are heading into the West Ham duel on the back of a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City, but this match is not to be taken as a standing point given Manchester City unstoppable form this season. Leicester did their best to stop the rampant Citizens but ended up conceding at the end of the first half and at the beginning of the second with a pair of quick-fire goals from Gabriel Jesus and Kevin De Bruyne. A trip to London offers a chance for redemption against an out-of-form side, but Claude Puel knows better than to underestimate a wounded animal and will adopt a cautious approach against West Ham in search for his second victory as Leicester boss and first one away from home.
Team News
Robert Huth and Matty James are a couple of weeks away from making their first-team comeback.
Claude Puel will have no fresh selection concerns except for Adrien Silva who remains unavailable.
Key Factors to Consider
- West Ham are coming off from back-to-back defeats
- Man City ended Leicester’s six-match unbeaten run last weekend
- David Moyes takes charge of his first home game as West Ham manager
- Claud Puel is looking for his first away win as LCFC boss
- Hammers only have nine points on the tally after 12 rounds
Conclusion
David Moyes’ arrival did not have the expected effect on West Ham, or at least that’s what it appears to be the case. Former Everton and Manchester United manager was expected to shake things up and his first home game in charge is the perfect opportunity to do so. Leicester City are safely slotted in the middle of the standings and should be wary of West Ham wrath.
Verdict: Home win
Best Odds: 7/4
Bookmakers: 888sport
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