Leicester City vs West Ham United – The Premier League returns midweek with an intriguing clash as Leicester City host West Ham United at King Power Stadium. Both sides come into this fixture with contrasting objectives: West Ham aiming to bounce back from a heavy defeat and continue their push up the table, while Leicester, under new management with Ruud van Nistelrooy, seek a much-needed win to improve their precarious position near the relegation zone.

Leicester City vs West Ham United Kick-Off Time and Match Details

Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2024
Kick-off: 22:15 CAT
Broadcast: SuperSport PL Channel, Showmax

Previous Head-to-Head

West Ham and Leicester City have clashed 32 times in the Premier League, with the Hammers winning 14, the Foxes 11, and seven matches ending in draws. The most recent encounter at King Power Stadium was in May 2023, when Leicester claimed a 2-0 victory. Despite that win, Leicester’s relegation at the end of the season signified a dramatic downturn after a challenging campaign. West Ham, meanwhile, managed to win 4-1 in their first home game of the 2021/22 season and have maintained a strong recent record, including two wins in their previous Premier League campaigns.

Recent Form

West Ham enter this match after a mixed start to December. The Hammers will be keen to bounce back from a heavy 5-2 defeat to Arsenal, while seeking to replicate their recent strong performances away at Newcastle. They currently sit mid-table, with aspirations of challenging for a European spot as the festive period approaches.

Leicester, under new manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, are hoping to reverse their fortunes after an underwhelming start to the season. The Foxes, who have only won two matches so far, have been inconsistent and will be looking for a fresh approach from their Dutch boss, who took charge after Steve Cooper’s dismissal. Leicester’s relegation battle looms large, and the outcome of this match could be pivotal for their survival hopes.

Team News

Leicester City: The Foxes are managing a few injury concerns, including Abdul Fatawu, Nathaniel Opoku, Ricardo Pereira, and Jakub Stolarczyk, who are all ruled out. Midfielder Harry Winks is doubtful due to a groin injury sustained in Cooper’s last match in charge. New manager van Nistelrooy will assess Jean-Clair Todibo, who is battling a knock sustained in Leicester’s defeat to Arsenal and will face a late fitness test.

West Ham United: Julen Lopetegui’s side has injury worries of their own. Niclas Füllkrug remains sidelined due to an Achilles issue, having played only 63 minutes since joining from Borussia Dortmund. Jean-Clair Todibo is a concern after picking up an injury during the 2-0 win over Newcastle and experiencing discomfort in the subsequent 5-2 loss to Arsenal. However, the return of Ghana winger Mohammed Kudus after serving a five-match suspension is a positive for the visitors. Lucas Paqueta, who was previously expected to miss this game for a Brazilian parliament hearing, is now cleared to play.

Players to Look Out For

Leicester: Harvey Barnes has been a key contributor for the Foxes and will look to make a statement in their fight for survival. The attacking prowess of James Maddison could also prove essential if Leicester is to breach West Ham’s defensive line.

West Ham: Jarrod Bowen’s attacking instinct and creativity will be vital, while the return of Kudus could add a new dimension to their forward play. Tomas Soucek’s presence in midfield will be crucial for defensive stability and transitional play.

Key Tactics

West Ham will aim to utilise their strong counter-attacking ability and control the midfield battle, with Soucek and Paqueta orchestrating play. Leicester, on the other hand, will likely focus on pressing high up the pitch, using the pace of Barnes and Maddison to destabilise West Ham’s back line and find gaps in transition.

Betting Odds

Bet Type	Odds
West Ham Win	2.30
Leicester Win	2.90
Draw	3.40
Over 2.5 Goals	1.75
Under 2.5 Goals	2.10
Both Teams to Score	1.65
Both Teams Not to Score	2.20
West Ham to Win to Nil	4.50
Leicester to Win to Nil	5.80
Both Teams Over 1.5 Goals	1.90
Exact Score 1-1	6.50
Exact Score 2-1 West Ham	8.20
Exact Score 2-1 Leicester	9.00

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Leicester City vs West Ham United Prediction Breakdown

Both teams come into this match with different motives. West Ham will aim to consolidate their position in mid-table, seeking consistent performances to challenge for European spots. Leicester’s primary goal will be survival, and this match presents a chance for a fresh start under van Nistelrooy’s guidance. The clash could be close, but West Ham’s greater depth and experience might just give them the edge. Predicted score: Leicester 1-0 West Ham

Predicted Starting Line-up

Leicester City (4-2-3-1): Iversen; Castagne, Faes, Todibo, Thomas; Soumare, Mendy; Barnes, Maddison, Lookman; Vardy
West Ham United (4-2-3-1): Fabianski; Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Kilman, Emerson; Soucek, Paqueta; Bowen, Kudus, Summerville; Antonio

Conclusion

This match could be a defining moment for both teams, with West Ham looking for a bounce-back win and Leicester desperate to start van Nistelrooy’s reign with a positive result. With stakes high and both teams having their unique strengths and vulnerabilities, this encounter promises an intriguing contest at King Power Stadium.