GSH Predictions: West Ham Face Tough Test Against Leicester

West Ham almost blew yet another 3-0 lead against Wolves last week, but eventually held on to win 3-2. With the victory, the Hammers took sole possession of fourth but will now have to win again to get back into the Champion’s League places. In order to do that, West Ham will need to pull off the double against Leicester City. Our Green St. staff predicts it will be tough to do so.

Justin: West Ham 1-2 Leicester City

The defense has given up five goals in the last two games and have almost blown 3-0 leads in two straight matches. This is very worrying to me as we come up on the run-in of the Premier League season.

On top of that, Declan Rice was sorely missed versus Wolves. Even though West Ham won, I believe it was more of poor defensive play from the Midlands side and less a crisp, cohesive attack by the Hammers. In fact, I think we struggled, especially in the second half, to effectively transition out of the back and keep hold of the ball in the final third, something Rice helps us do.

On top of that, we are set to go on another spell without our only senior striker as Michail Antonio once again injured his hamstring.

Leicester are a different side to Wolves. They have been very consistent all season and even though we dominated them at the King Power, that was a long time ago. Dynamic winger Harvey Barnes remains out alongside Caglar Soyuncu, who will miss time due to a COVID-19 positive test, but West Ham will still have their hands full with Jamie Vardy and James Maddison.

Maybe it is the learned negativity of being a West Ham fan for several years but my gut is telling me this may be the match that spells the beginning of the end of our Champions League dreams. I hope I’m wrong as the team has proven me so time and time again. Leicester to win 2-1.

West Ham look to build on last week’s win and pull off the double against Leicester City to keep their top four hopes alive.

Alex: West Ham 1-2 Leicester City

The win against Wolves last Monday was massive but I have fear going into this one that if we give the likes of Vardy and Iheanacho the chances we gave Wolves, we’ll be swiftly punished.

Losing Antonio is a real blow at a crucial time of the season but hopefully Ogbonna is back as the Dawson and Diop partnership hasn’t been overly convincing. I’d be happy with a draw, however I think Leicester will just edge it.

Lou: West Ham 1-1 Leicester City

Injuries are piling up, but we keep marching on! Declan Rice will still be out for this game and now it looks as though Michail Antonio will also be missing as he pulled up against Wolves after playing so well.

This means we’ll likely see an interchangeable front three, possibly Jesse Lingard, Jarrod Bowen and Said Benrahma, which caused problems against Sheffield United in our 3-0 victory.

Leicester are certainly a step up, however, and all will have to be on their A-game if we want to get something from this match. A win would put us one point behind them and Champions League football would continue to look ever the more realistic, but a loss would give the trailers behind us a chance to catch up.

Jack: West Ham 1-1 Leicester City

Our game against Leicester could be our biggest of the season. If we win, then a Champions League spot is ours to lose. With Chelsea and Liverpool both picking up wins, West Ham need to get a result to stay in the Champions League race.

We’ve suffered two massive losses in Declan Rice and Michail Antonio, but our squad has more than enough talent to still get the win against Leicester.

It will be a tough test but we have players coming into form at the right time such as Jarrod Bowen, who has scored two goals in his last two games, and his form could make all the difference.

The Foxes are also an in-form side at the moment and haven’t lost an away game since November, so it will be challenging. We do have the ability to beat Leicester but I think we will just fall short and get a 1-1 draw.