Leicester City will travel to the capital on Monday night, as they face fellow UEFA Europa League qualifiers, West Ham United. Both sides won on the opening day of the Premier League season, and will hope to carry on their winning start. 

David Moyes’ Hammers, came from behind to beat Newcastle United at St James’ Park, as West Ham came away from Tyne Side with all three points. Meanwhile for Leicester, they were victorious in a narrow 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, thanks to Jamie Vardy’s first half strike. 

After two bitter defeats to the Irons last season, especially the clash at the London Stadium in April, the Foxes will be on the hunt for revenge and wanting to take all three points back to the East-Midlands in midweek. 

Team News 

 

West Ham don’t have any fresh injury concerns heading into the game. Arthur Masuaku remains doubtful, not making an appearance since their win over Leicester back in April. The 27-year-old is unlikely to feature on Monday. 

Leicester will be without some key players going into the game with Jonny Evans (ankle), Ryan Bertrand (Covid-19), James Justin (ACL), Wesley Fofana (calf), and Nampalys Mendy (groin) all certain to be sidelined.

Timothy Castagne has an eye injury, but Rodgers has confirmed he's available. James Maddison picked up a knock against Wolves, but looks to be feature midweek. Speaking on Friday afternoon, he said "Timothy Castagne will be available and James (Maddison) has looked fantastic in training so he's okay."

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Predicted Lineups

 

West Ham United XI: Fabianski; Coufal, Dawson, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Rice, Soucek; Bowen, Benrahma, Fornals; Antonio.

Leicester City XI: Schmeichel; Pereira, Soyuncu, Vestergaard, Thomas; Ndidi, Tielemans, Maddison; Perez, Barnes, Vardy. 

Ones to Watch

 

West Ham United- Said Benrahma

West Ham winger, Said Benrahma, could cause a threat on Monday evening, with the Algerian hoping he can carry his form into midweek. The former Brentford midfielder found the back of the net against Newcastle, as well as getting an assist to his name. Benrahma will be hoping he can carry on his good numbers this season as he looks to make it as a regular in Moyes’ side. 

Benrahma played in more of a number 10 role against Newcastle, with Jarrod Bowen and Pablo Fornals either side of him. With Benrahma’s preferred position being the right side of midfield, Moyes may have found the formula to success with the 26-year-old playing behind Michail Antonio

Benrahma made the move to the capital in January this year, after a lot of clubs (including the Foxes) showed interest in the tricky winger. After a loan spell with the Hammers, the Algerian joined permanently in January.

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Leicester City- Jamie Vardy

Leicester City veteran, Vardy, could cause problems for the West Ham backline, as he looks to go from where he left of against Wolves. The 34-year-old scored an instinctive volley last time out versus Wolves, and will want to get on the scoresheet again on Monday evening. 

Vardy looks to be flourishing with the return of fans, scoring three in his last two Premier League games with the fans back in the stadium. Despite his age, he still looks to be the main man and continue playing the role of strike, with competition from Kelechi Iheanacho and new arrival, Patson Daka. Vardy found the back of the net 15 times last season, and will hope he can produce to that standard again. 

How to watch

 

You can watch West Ham United vs Leicester City on Sky Sports Premier League, or Sky Sports Main Event. Coverage starts at 7:00pm, with kick off at 8:00pm. 

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