West Ham v Leicester: It could be a black Friday for the Irons

West Ham United v Leicester City
Friday, 20:00
Live on Sky Sports Main Event

Irons in need of new energy

If West Ham fans were hoping for an immediate new-manager bounce last weekend, they were to be sorely disappointed. The same old failings were on display against Watford and the Irons were perhaps lucky not to return home with a heavier defeat. The only impression they made on the match was the imprint of Andy Carroll's elbow in a couple of his markers' cheekbones.

David Moyes did not issue a convincing rallying call after that one, instead admitting that such listless displays have simply come to be expected. That is true of course - a glance at the league table tells you plenty about how poor West Ham have been - but if Moyes is to shake some life into the squad, he could probably do with injecting a little optimism into his own pronouncements as well.

Javier Hernández is expected to miss out again, meaning that Carroll should keep his place. In fact, with so many defensive injuries, much of the side pretty much picks itself at present - which is probably part of the problem.

Foxes on song

Claude Puel tasted defeat for the first time as Leicester manager last week, but losing to Manchester City is no real reason for shame. Yes, the Foxes were outplayed, but they showed a good deal more grit than some sides have against the league leaders, and kept the scoreline respectable. Besides, how different things might have been if Vincent Kompany had been dismissed for a cynical early foul on Jamie Vardy, who appeared to be zipping through on goal.

In attack, much has been made of the reemergence of Riyad Mahrez, seemingly motivated again after a slow start to the campaign. But two other players have also come to the fore under Puel: all-action midfielder Vicente Iborra, who scored against Stoke, and flying winger Demarai Gray, making the most of a proper run in the side.

Leicester hard to oppose

West Ham's form is such that it's difficult to side with in any game, even at home and add odds of 2.86. They were shoddy in their last game at the London Stadium (1-4 against Liverpool) and there is no real sign that the mood has changed since Moyes' arrival.

Leicester's players, by contrast, appear to be enjoying themselves under Puel. A 2-0 win over Everton was a fine start and the 2-2 draw against Stoke maintained a decent away record so far this term: only Arsenal and Manchester United have beaten them on their travels. 2.74 is an attractive price, although it's also worth considering Leicester Draw No Bet at 1.95 for a bit of a safety net.

No clear angle on goals

Three of West Ham's five games at the London Stadium have gone over the 2.5 goal mark, as have half of Leicester's away games. It's hard to see the Foxes failing to score at least once, so much will depend on whether West Ham can muster any attacking returns, but in a coin-toss market the unders probably looks slightly more attractive at 1.96.

Vardy the man for visitors

As usual, much of Leicester's threat will come from Jamie Vardy. The forward has not been in sensational goalscoring form, but he did net in Puel's opening win over Everton and has found the net in his last two games against West Ham. He should have some joy against a shaky defence and can be backed at 2.40.

Recommended Bet
Back Leicester Draw No Bet at 1.95