West Ham meet Leicester in the last match of the second round of the Premier League. The Hammers started the new campaign with a convincing 4-2 victory over Newcastle. In the first half, the Magpies had the upper hand and withdrew at the break with a one-goal lead, but in the second half West Ham totally dominated. The strong game of the Hammers in front positions from the end of last season continued and the players of David Moyes were very diverse in front positions.
Leicester also started the season victorious, beating Wolverhampton 1-0. The success of the Foxes was routine rather than won with a good game. It can even be argued that the Wolves no longer deserved the three points after creating the cleaner positions. The fact is, however, that over time, Brendan Rodgers has taught his players to win their matches without having to dominate in 90 minutes.
Last season, West Ham were the second best hosts in the elite, with only the champions Manchester City having scored more points at home. However, as a guest, the Hammers play more freely in front positions and it is not surprising that their goal difference was weaker at the "Olympic Stadium in London". David Moyes still has something to work on in his team's home performance when he is expected to be more active and in control of the pace.
Last season, the Hammers beat the Foxes 3-2 at home, and Jesse Lingard scored two goals. Now, however, the Englishman is not in the composition of West Ham, and his direct replacement is also missing. At the moment, Leicester looks more solid in defense and I expect him to neutralize the good game of his opponent in attack. The forces between the two teams are equal and it is very likely that the match on Monday will end without a winner.
West Ham are excellent in attack
This is a meeting between neighbors in the standings for last season of the English Premier League.
Both teams started the new campaign with victories. Although they happened in a different way and style.
As guests, West Ham overcame a gap against Newcastle for the final 4-2 in their favor.
And the most impressive was that the Hammers are the team that created the most goal positions after the 1st round.
However, they allowed 1.87 xGA ( expected goals ) to their door. Which is not a small thing.
This indicator will certainly inspire hope for the players of today's opponent.
Leicester is hesitant in defense
Leicester's players created too few and low-quality goal positions - 0.55 xG in their first game of the season against the Wolves.
They really win 1-0 at home. But in defense they got rid of undeservedly with a dry net at 1.66 xGA.
Forecast for West Ham - Leicester
The result is an interesting general picture of a match between 2 teams, which at least for the time being have difficulties in the game in defense.
At the same time, West Ham are excellent in attack.
For Leicester, we should not be misled by their weak performance in attack.
Because now they will be placed in the conditions for a counter-attack game.
Jamie Vardy and Harvey Barnes are not only talented and fast.
But they also feel great when carrying out the attack with 2-3 passes to the goal position.
West Ham, pushed by the crowd behind them, will exert pressure to score.
But they will also leave enough empty space for the opponent to do the same.
With an expected high performance, it is normal for my forecast to dwell on the most valuable option.
Top facts and statistics for the match
- West Ham have not lost in their last 11 games: 8-3-0.
- West Ham have scored 2+ goals in 8 of their last 10 games.
- Leicester is in a winning streak of 3 games.
- Leicester have lost just 1 of their last 6 visits to West Ham: 3-2-1.
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