West Ham are feeling more confident after their unexpected 1-0 win at Arsenal last weekend, ending a four-game winless streak. Although they are still near the bottom of the Premier League table, the victory has put them 13 points clear of the relegation zone and eased fears of being drawn into a relegation battle.
Graham Potter’s team will look to increase their lead over the teams below them when they play Leicester on Thursday. West Ham have won 11 of their last 14 Premier League games against promoted teams, and the signs are in their favour. However, their seven home defeats this season (W4, D2) show they can be vulnerable at the London Stadium.
Leicester’s 3-1 win over West Ham in December, which was Ruud van Nistelrooy’s first match in charge, is one of just four league victories since their return to the Premier League. They’ve only earned four points since then and currently sit five points from safety. After a heavy 4-0 loss to Brentford on Friday, Leicester look set for a quick return to the Championship.
Leicester’s biggest problem this season has been a weak defence, conceding 59 goals, with only bottom-of-the-table Southampton letting in more. They’ve allowed 2 or more goals in 20 games this season, including 11 of the 13 matches since Van Nistelrooy took charge, highlighting that his impact hasn’t been very successful.
