West Ham United are aiming to build momentum following their impressive victory over Arsenal, as they prepare to host a struggling Leicester City at the London Stadium. With both teams facing contrasting fortunes, this Premier League encounter carries significant implications for their respective campaigns.
West Ham’s Pursuit of Consistency
After a hard-fought 1-0 triumph over Arsenal, West Ham return to home turf hoping to secure consecutive wins. Jarrod Bowen’s decisive goal at the Emirates provided a much-needed boost, but the Hammers must address their home form if they want to solidify their position in the league.
Recent results at the London Stadium have been concerning, with defeats against Crystal Palace and Brentford marking a troubling trend. The Hammers have never endured two separate runs of three or more consecutive home defeats in a single league season, making this match a crucial opportunity to avoid that unwanted statistic.
On a more positive note, Graham Potter’s record against newly promoted teams offers encouragement. Across 11 Premier League home fixtures against such opposition, his teams have suffered just one defeat while maintaining defensive stability with clean sheets in each of the last seven matches.
Leicester City’s struggles continue as they find themselves deep in the relegation battle. Coming into Matchday 27 in 19th place, the Foxes have endured a dismal run of form, losing 10 of their last 11 league games. Their defensive frailties are particularly evident on the road, having conceded 32 goals across 12 away matches – the worst record in the league this season.
To make matters worse, Leicester have failed to score in their last three matches, suffering heavy defeats with an aggregate score of 10-0. The last time they endured a longer run of consecutive losses without finding the net was in 2017—a stretch that marked the end of Claudio Ranieri’s tenure.
Despite their poor form, there is a glimmer of hope for Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side. In their most recent trip to London, they secured a 2-1 victory against Tottenham. Historically, when Leicester manage to win consecutive matches in the capital, they have often defeated either Spurs or West Ham in the process. However, replicating that feat against a resurgent Hammers squad will be no easy task.
Injury Concerns for Both Sides
West Ham continue to deal with injury setbacks, particularly in attack. Michail Antonio, Niclas Füllkrug, Lucas Paquetá, and Crysencio Summerville are all sidelined, while Vladimir Coufal remains a doubt.
Leicester, meanwhile, will be without Abdul Fatawu and Ricardo Pereira, and the match may come too soon for James Justin as he works towards full fitness.
Head-to-Head History
West Ham initially dominated their Premier League meetings at home against Leicester, winning the first five encounters between 1994 and 1999. However, the tide has shifted, with the Foxes securing five victories in their last 11 visits, including wins in their previous three Premier League clashes with the Hammers.
One of those triumphs came in the reverse fixture, where Leicester secured a 3-1 victory at the King Power Stadium. Despite West Ham’s dominance in that match, registering 31 shots—their highest-ever tally in a Premier League game—they were unable to capitalize on their opportunities.
Prediction: Can West Ham Take Advantage of Leicester’s Woes?
With West Ham riding high from their victory over Arsenal and Leicester in freefall, the odds favor the hosts. According to predictive analytics, the Hammers have a strong 59.8% chance of winning this encounter. Leicester’s struggles leave them with just a 19.2% probability of securing a victory, while the likelihood of a draw stands at 21%.
A revitalized West Ham side will see this as a prime opportunity to continue their upward trajectory. Leicester, on the other hand, must find a way to defy the odds if they are to escape the clutches of relegation.
prediction: West Ham 2-0 Leicester City
