Leicester City vs West Ham: Match Preview, Team News & Predictions
Heading into the final match day of the Premier League season, Leicester City’s dismal campaign remains a wonder to many. The Foxes have their best and final shot at resurrection though, when they host West Ham at the King Power Stadium on May 28th.
No numbers can illustrate how vital their point against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park was, as it gives them a shot at maintaining their top-flight status. The 2015/16 champions are a couple of points adrift of Everton, so a win is bare minimum if they are to pull off an escape.
Dean Smith will have to narrow his players down to solely focusing on the three points against the Hammers, who have one eye on a historic European final against Fiorentina on 7th June.
Once in the relegation muddle themselves, West Ham have pulled themselves clear with ample matches left, recently teaching Leeds a lesson at the London Stadium with a smashing 3-1 win.
David Moyes has brought all his experience into play, rescuing his side from the bottom of the table to, potentially, 13th with 43 points should they beat Leicester.
What’s pleasantly surprising is that he has secured his job until the final day of the season in the wake of various concerns being raised. What’s more surprising is how a team consisting of Harvey Barnes, James Maddison and Youri Tielemans among other talented footballers are fighting by the skin of their teeth for safety.
On that note, here’s everything you need to know ahead of Leicester’s future-defining clash against West Ham.
Team News
Leicester City
Caglar Soyuncu is nursing an injury and hence, played his final game for the club.
That’s one uncontrollable variable for Dean Smith, although he’s blessed with the return of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Meanwhile, Jannik Vestergaard, James Justin and Ryan Bertrand are long-term absentees, as is goalkeeper Danny Ward.
West Ham
Moyes will be pleased with the return of one of their performers of the season – Nayef Aguerd. He could be handed some valuable minutes ahead of the big final next month.
Gianluca Scamacca recently underwent surgery, while there are concerns over Emerson’s availability due to a recently encountered knee injury.
Probable XI
Leicester City predicted line-up (5-3-2):
Iversen; Castagne, Evans, Souttar, Faes, Thomas; Soumare, Tielemans, Ndidi; Maddison, Iheanacho
West Ham predicted line-up (4-2-3-1):
Fabianski; Coufal, Zouma, Ogbonna, Emerson; Soucek, Rice; Bowen, Paqueta, Benrahma; Antonio
Match Prediction
As far as West Ham go, it could be a feast or famine adventure as they don’t have much to play for. If the front line gets more license to remain up the pitch, it could well be curtains for Leicester, purely based on form.
It could prove fatal to the hosts after a truly sensational stay in the first division, laden with the Premier League and FA Cup trophies.
Predicted score: Leicester City 1-3 West Ham
-Roy Akarshak
Twitter: @RoyAkarshak
Photo: Pioeb. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.