clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Match Preview: West Ham vs Leicester City

Leicester’s busy holiday schedule begins with trip to West Ham

Leicester City v Manchester City - Premier League Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

West Ham 18th (2-3-7) vs Leicester City 12th (3-4-5)

Friday 3:00 PM ET, London Stadium

Leicester certainly fared better last weekend against top of the table Manchester City than the Hammers did against Watford. The future doesn’t seem quite as bright at the moment under David Moyes and the Foxes shouldn’t expect anything less than leaving London with three points.

How to Watch

Grab yourself some turkey leftovers, park yourself in front of the telly, and switch on NBCSN.

The Competition

David Moyes first match in charge didn’t quite have the pizzazz of the beginning of a new era at West Ham. Had it not been for the fantastic Heurelho Gomes, they might have had something more to celebrate, but in the end they lost 2-0.

Watford v West Ham United - Premier League
Heurelho Gomes of Watford makes a save from Marko Arnautovic of West Ham United (C) during the Premier League match between Watford and West Ham United at Vicarage Road on November 19, 2017 in Watford, England.
Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images

There were a few signs of improvement as the offense did manage six shots on target, but defensively they were woeful at times. Watford man Will Hughes gave the Hornets the lead after only eleven minutes and Richarlison made it 2-0 at the 64 minute mark. West Ham, like Manchester City, benefited from the match official not wanting to give a red card too early in a match when Andy Carroll’s challenge left Marvin Zeegelaar with a bloody nose.

The Foxes

Jamie Vardy was in and would’ve put Leicester up 1-0 within the first breaths of life in the game had it not been for Vincent Kompany’s goal saving foul. He should’ve been sent off and it shouldn’t matter whether it’s the 90th minute or 90 seconds into a match, if a player commits a sending off offence then they should be punished accordingly.

Leicester City v Manchester City - Premier League
Jamie Vardy of Leicester City and Vincent Kompany of Manchester City compete for the ball during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Manchester City at The King Power Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Leicester, England.
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

Had Leicester been a bit more clinical, they could’ve walked away with something from this match. Anytime they got the ball back and looked to be dangerous a pass would just be a bit off and then Manchester would have the ball for the next 10 minutes. The team looked a bit excited, or maybe it was nerves, on the ball and hardly managed a clear chance on goal. Defensively things were great when they kept the opposition to the wings, but once they got the ball in the middle of the field just outside the 18, they made the most of the tiny pockets of space allowed to them to strike twice.

The History

After a 2-0 defeat in 2014, Leicester are unbeaten in six matches against West Ham in all competitions, with five wins and one draw. Last season Leicester’s first win away from home was at West Ham. The Foxes certainly know how to come away from London Stadium with three points.

The Prediction

I think Leicester can finally loosen the reigns on their offense after a couple of weeks trying to be more sound defensively. West Ham have only managed 11 goals this season, but have allowed 25 goals in the same span. I like Leicester to score in the first ten minutes and win 4-0 giving them a nice boost of morale going into Tuesday’s match against Tottenham.