West Ham will take on relegation-dangerous Leicester in the Premier League this weekend. The Hammers’ season may go down in history if they win the European Cup next month, despite some underwhelming league performances. In what would have been Declan Rice’s final home game, they did at least say goodbye to the London Stadium with a victory over Leeds.
The Foxes may sense an opening with nothing left to play for and a European final approaching, If Dean Smith’s team is to maintain their top-flight standing, they must triumph. This weekend marks the final matchday of the 2022-23 Premier League season. For the Hammers, this season has been particularly protracted.
West Ham United has for a while seemed out of place in the Premier League and in danger of dropping down. The London club is currently secure, while the Hammers’ condition has improved in recent weeks. On the penultimate day of the season, West Ham had no need to worry. With 40 points from 37 games, the Hammers are now ranked 14th in the Premier League.
On the last day of the Premier League season, David Moyes’ team can unwind since they are nine points clear of the drop. They are eagerly anticipating the UEFA Europa Conference League championship. Leicester City just won the Premier League, but this season has been difficult for them, and they might end up in the Championship at the end of the year.
The Foxes now seem likely to end this season’s Premier League standings in the bottom three. With 31 points from 37 games, the Foxes are now third from the bottom in the Premier League standings. Leicester has the same number of points as second-worst Leeds United and is two points behind Everton in 17th position. The chances aren’t in Dean Smith’s team’s favor, but they may manage to finish the season.
Key Factors to Consider
- In 29 Premier League appearances for Leicester City, James Maddison has 10 goals and 9 assists.
- Leicester City has only won one of their past six Premier League games.
- In 37 Premier League games, Leicester City has lost 22.
- West Ham United has won two of its past six Premier League games.
- West Ham United has 41 Premier League goals in 37 games.
Team News – West Ham United
Key Player : Declan Rice
This won’t be a fitting farewell for the Hammers because they still have to play in the UEFA Europa Conference League final. On the other side, Rice is probably going to play his last Premier League game for West Ham on Sunday.
What he contributes to a team is no longer a secret. Even if West Ham’s game on Sunday doesn’t have much at stake, Moyes will likely want them to keep their momentum and sharpness in anticipation of their upcoming final, so don’t expect them to give up.
David Moyes, the manager of West Ham United, is expected to use a 4-2-3-1 system. The Hammers’ front line will be led by Danny Ings. In offensive midfield, Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqeuta, and Pablo Fornals will start. Gianluca Scamacca is the lone definite absence for the Hammers. Moyes, though, could consider a rotation.
Team News – Leicester City
Key Player : Jamie Vardy
Despite the fact that 2022–23 has been as disappointing for him personally as it has been for the team as a whole, the former England striker has been a true revelation for Leicester.
Since joining the team in 2012, Vardy has scored just three goals in the league, which is a career low. He last fell short of double digits in 2014–15 (five), Leicester’s first year back in the Premier League. This season, his -2.9 differential ranks ninth lowest among attackers in the Premier League. Those three goals came from 5.9 non-penalty projected goals.
Dean Smith, the interim manager of Leicester City, is expected to field a 5-3-2 formation. The former Premier League winners will be led by Jamie Vardy and Kelechi Iheanacho. The Foxes’ midfield will be led by Youri Tielemans and James Maddison. Jonny Evans is a significant concern for the Foxes after suffering an injury against Newcastle earlier this week. James Justin, Kieran Dewsbury-Hall, and Ryan Bertrand have all been ruled out with injuries. There is yet hope, since Wilfried Ndidi’s hamstring injury is not significant.
Predictions-
West Ham United 1-1 Leicester City
Date – Sunday May 28, 2023
Time – 3:30 pm GMT
Venue – King Power Stadium
