Leicester vs West Ham Preview: How to Watch on TV, Live Stream, Kick Off Time & Team News
By Michael Lee
Leicester host West Ham in the Premier League on Sunday, with both teams looking to build on impressive victories last weekend.
The Foxes are top of the early season table with three wins from three, the final one of which was the 5-2 demolition of Manchester City. Many tipped Leicester to slide down the table after last season's late collapse, but Brendan Rodgers still seems to be getting the best out of his squad.
For West Ham, their 4-0 victory over Wolves in the Hammers last outing was perhaps the most surprising result of a bonkers start to the Premier League season. After appearing to be crisis before a ball had been kicked, the decision of David Moyes to revert to a back five paid dividends last weekend. They will be looking for another surprise scalp in the east Midlands on Sunday.
Here's 90min's preview of the game.
Where to Watch on TV
When Is Kick Off? Sunday 4 October
What Time Is Kick Off? 12:00 (BST)
Where Is it Played? King Power Stadium
TV Channel/Live Stream? BT Sport (UK), Peacock (US)
Referee? Andy Madley
Team News
Three players came out of last weekend's stunning win at the Etihad with injury problems - while Dennis Praet is a doubt to face West Ham, both Jamie Vardy and Jonny Evans should be fit to play.
James Maddison, who came off the bench to score a screamer against Manchester City, will be pushing to make his first start of the season., while Harvey Barnes should play after receiving his first England call-up during the week.
For West Ham, Issa Diop and Josh Cullen remain unavailable after contracting COVID-19 and Ryan Fredericks is a doubt after picking up a knock during the Wolves game. Youngster Ben Johnson will deputise in his absence, unless new signing Vladimir Coufal is up to speed fitness wise and registered, while the Hammers will be looking to Michail Antonio to provide goals and inspiration up front.
Predicted Line-Ups
Leicester: Schmeichel; Castagne, Evans, Soyuncu, Justin; Ayoze, Tielemans, Mendy, Maddison, Barnes; Vardy
West Ham: Fabianski; Johnson, Balbuena, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Masuaku; Bowen, Soucek, Rice, Fornals; Antonio
Recent Form
Leicester have started the season in irrepressible form, with three league wins out of three and 12 goals scored. After swatting aside West Brom and Burnley, the Foxes travelled to Manchester City with expectation as well as hope.
Despite going a goal behind, Leicester ruthlessly exploited City's defensive vulnerabilities to secure an eye-catching 5-2 victory. Jamie Vardy notched a hat-trick and already has five goals for the season.
West Ham have been predictably unpredictable so far. After the comatose display at home to Newcastle, the Hammers played well at the Emirates and were unfortunate not to take points off Arsenal. However, no Hammers fan predicted they would thrash Wolves 4-0 in their next outing - and make the Molineux club look distinctly ordinary in the process. With a tough run of fixtures ahead, Moyes will be hoping West Ham rise to the occasion again.
Here are each side's last five competitive results:
Leicester
Manchester City 2-5 Leicester (27/09)
Leicester 0-2 Arsenal (23/09)
Leicester 4-2 Burnley (20/09)
West Brom 0-3 Leicester (13/09)
Leicester 0-2 Manchester United (26/07)
West Ham
Everton 4-1 West Ham (30/09)
West Ham 4-0 Wolves (27/09)
West Ham 5-1 Hull (22/09)
Arsenal 2-1 West Ham (19/09)
West Ham 3-0 Charlton (15/09)
Prediction
Both teams will be looking to prove last weekend's statement victories were no fluke.
Leicester are currently flying high - sitting top of the Premier League table, signing the highly rated Wesley Fofana and Brendan Rodgers receiving the Manager of the Month Award for September. Their skilled and settled line-up means they are rightly favourites for Sunday's match.
While West Ham may prove more stubborn opponents than expected, it's hard to look beyond a Leicester victory this weekend.
Predicted Score: Leicester 2-0 West Ham