The upcoming Premier League match between Leicester City and West Ham United on December 3, 2024, at the King Power Stadium, is shaping up to be quite a spectacle. Leicester City is currently 16th in the league with 10 points, struggling near the relegation zone. Meanwhile, West Ham United is more comfortable in 14th place with 15 points.
This game is crucial for Leicester City, especially under new management. Ruud van Nistelrooy has stepped in following Steve Cooper’s exit, aiming to steer the club clear of relegation threats. West Ham, on the other hand, wants to build on their recent good form, including their significant 2-0 win against Newcastle United. They’re eager to keep climbing the table.
Leicester City’s recent form has been poor, with four straight league losses highlighting their defensive weaknesses. Jamie Vardy, their top scorer with four goals this season, will be essential in their attacking efforts. For West Ham, Jarrod Bowen leads the charge with three league goals, showing his important role in their attack.
Leicester City vs West Ham United Prediction & Betting Tip
Prediction: Leicester to win
| Betting tip | Odds |
|---|---|
| Both Teams to Score | 1.60 |
The arrival of Ruud van Nistelrooy could bring fresh ideas to help Leicester City overcome West Ham United’s challenges. Playing at home provides an advantage, and the team will be motivated to perform under new leadership. Additionally, West Ham’s inconsistent away record could give Leicester City an edge. For more on how teams are performing, see Premier League Overview.
Leicester City vs West Ham United Odds
The betting odds show a slight preference for Leicester City, considering their home advantage and managerial change. Yet, West Ham’s odds are close, suggesting a tightly fought contest ahead.
| Leicester vs West Ham Odds | |
|---|---|
| Leicester City Win | 2.81 |
| Draw | 3.25 |
| West Ham United Win | 2.90 |
| Both Teams to Score | 1.60 |
With both teams showing similar recent performances, many expect goals from both sides. The odds for a Leicester victory at home are slightly better, reflecting faith in their new managerial shift to regain form.
Leicester City Team Analysis
Leicester City Recent Performance
Leicester City’s recent performance has been tough, with a streak of four consecutive losses. Their latest match was a narrow 1-2 defeat to Chelsea, where they held 48% possession but showed defensive gaps.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Leicester | Chelsea | 1-2 (L) |
| Leicester | Brighton | 0-4 (L) |
| Tottenham | Leicester | 3-2 (L) |
| Leicester | Liverpool | 0-1 (L) |
Despite these tough times, Leicester has managed to score in 11 of their 12 league games. Van Nistelrooy is expected to bring a more attacking philosophy, though stability at the back is key to reversing their fortunes.
Leicester City Key Players
Jamie Vardy remains crucial with his four league goals, driving Leicester’s attack. In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi’s role is to disrupt West Ham’s offense, with James Maddison providing creative support.
Young talent Kasey McAteer adds flair on the wings, and Mads Hermansen’s goalkeeping is vital amidst defensive weaknesses. Harry Winks’ potential return would strengthen the midfield, while Bilal El Khannous offers adaptable attacking options.
Leicester City Suspensions & Injuries
Leicester faces a few injury setbacks which might affect their game strategy.
| Player | Injury |
|---|---|
| Abdul Fatawu | Cruciate ligament injury |
| Harry Winks | Muscle Injury (questionable) |
| Jakub Stolarczyk | Ankle Injury |
| Ricardo Pereira | Hamstring Injury |
Harry Winks’ possible return could solidify midfield play, but caution is necessary to avoid further injuries. Ricardo Pereira’s absence means the team must adapt defensively to maintain their cohesion.
Leicester City Tactics and Formation
Ruud van Nistelrooy might go for a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on dynamic attacks. Known for pace-driven plays, Vardy’s speed will be crucial to breaking defenses.
Wilfred Ndidi’s presence in the midfield is essential to intercept West Ham’s counter-attacks. Full-backs need to find a balance between attacking support and defending against rapid West Ham counters.
West Ham United Team Analysis
West Ham United Recent Performance
West Ham United has shown inconsistent form with one win, one draw, and three losses in their last five league games. Their defensive strength shone in the 2-0 win over Newcastle, indicating potential positive momentum.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| West Ham | Newcastle | 2-0 (W) |
| Everton | West Ham | 1-1 (D) |
| West Ham | Aston Villa | 0-2 (L) |
| Arsenal | West Ham | 3-1 (L) |
| West Ham | Man City | 0-1 (L) |
Their tactical identity is centered around solid defense, but goal-scoring remains a challenge. Sitting 14th, West Ham needs to boost offensive efforts while keeping a strong defense.
West Ham United Key Players
Jarrod Bowen is key for West Ham with three goals, his play crucial for breaking through Leicester’s defense. Michail Antonio’s form is vital, despite ongoing transfer rumors.
Declan Rice offers defensive and attacking support in midfield, with Lucas Paqueta adding creativity. Łukasz Fabiański’s dependable goalkeeping reinforces their defense, and Tomas Soucek brings physical strength in both attack and defense.
West Ham United Suspensions & Injuries
Injuries and potential transfers may affect West Ham’s lineup. Notably, Niclas Füllkrug is out with an Achilles injury.
| Player | Injury |
|---|---|
| Niclas Füllkrug | Achilles tendon injury |
The speculation around Michail Antonio’s future could necessitate tactical changes. Managing squad depth and rotation effectively will be key to handling fixture pressures.
West Ham United Tactics and Formation
Manager Julen Lopetegui may adopt a balanced 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on strong central defense with Rice and Soucek. Bowen’s role will involve spearheading attacks with pace and positioning.
To deal with Leicester’s potential threats, ball possession and tactical discipline will be vital. Lopetegui might also incorporate young talent to energize their attack, especially amid questions about Antonio’s availability.
Leicester City vs West Ham United Head-to-Head Statistics
Leicester City has the advantage in recent battles with West Ham United, winning more of their last five meetings.
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Leicester | West Ham | 2-1 (W) |
| West Ham | Leicester | 2-2 (D) |
| Leicester | West Ham | 1-1 (D) |
| West Ham | Leicester | 3-1 (W) |
| Leicester | West Ham | 1-0 (W) |
In their last encounter, Leicester won 2-1, proving their ability to adapt and overcome West Ham’s tactics. These games often exceed two goals, promising an exciting match. Leicester’s dominance at home could prove decisive.
Venue and Weather
The match is at the King Power Stadium, known for its vibrant atmosphere and seating for 32,273 fans. The support from Leicester’s fans could give the home team a psychological advantage.
Expected weather is cool, around 3.56°C, with light rain. These conditions may quicken the pace of the game, testing both teams’ skills. Tactical adaptations will help handle potential slick conditions for speedy plays. Familiar with English winter weather, both teams should adjust well to the conditions. For insights on how weather impacts matches, see Premier League Drama.
