Football
West Ham vs Leicester City Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
Date: February 28, 2025 Kickoff Time (UK): 20:00 Venue: London Stadium West Ham has seen a resurgence under Graham Potter, they are playing with confidence and a renewed commitment to their style and approach. There is enough of a gap between themselves and the drop – but Potter will know they cannot afford to take their foot of the gas. Fans eager to back West Ham’s momentum can find great odds on top football betting sites, where their recent form might offer some enticing opportunities. Leicester are in trouble and are beginning to enter into the Bon Jovi error of living on a prayer.
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Arsenal FC v West Ham United FC - Premier League//Getty Images
Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability
Home: 13/20 (1.65) – 59%
Draw: 26/10 (3.6) – 22%
Away: 39/10 (4.9) – 19%
Head-To-Head Record
Last five meetings (All competition)
03/12/2024: Leicester 3–1 West Ham
28/05/2023: Leicester 2–1 West Ham
12/11/2022: West Ham 0–2 Leicester
13/02/2022: Leicester 2–2 West Ham
23/08/2021: West Ham 4–1 Leicester
West Ham Current Form – LDLLW
There has been this narrative which has floated around West Ham rather unfairly. It suggests that they have struggled to get going under Graham Potter, and that there hasn’t been much of a change.
They are a side who have struggled this season – but there has been a significant change under Potter. He has instilled confidence at the Hammers. No, it hasn’t happened overnight, but the reality is that they are growing into themselves again and their result against Arsenal at the weekend would have gone a long way in entrenching this.
Key Players to Watch
- Jarrod Bowen: He is a dynamic winger who has had a big say in the attacking threat carried by West Ham. At the time of writing, he has scored 20 goals and recorded 10 assists – all while struggling through injury. He is certainly one to watch and will likely play a key role for West Ham once again.
- Max Kilman: He is a robust and aggressive player who has significantly improved West Ham’s defensive system. While he has struggled for game time in recent weeks, he still commands a strong presence and contributes to his team's success.
- James Ward-Prowse: A creative midfielder who has taken his opportunity in the middle of this West Ham side with both grit and grace. His contributions have been largely significant and given the improvement at West Ham – it shouldn’t come as a surprise to see Graham Potter give him more time.
West Ham Team News
Lucas Paqueta (ankle injury), Michail Antonio (broken leg), Niclas Fullkrug (hamstring strain) and Vladimir Coufal (knee injury) are all sidelined due to injury.
Leicester Current Form – WLLLL
Leicester is really struggling. They now come into this game reeling off four straight defeats under the guidance of Ruud van Nistelrooy. They need all the points they can get, especially considering the fact that they are starting to lose any hope of survival.
The reality is they aren’t playing well enough to justify a place in the Premier League. It is a competitive environment and when you fall short of the minimum expectations, you cannot expect to find much reprieve. It is difficult to see where their points will come from though.
Key Players to Watch
- Wout Faes: He continues to be a mainstay in this Leicester defence. He is a reliable defender who has shown brilliant leadership during a season where they have largely struggled. It would not surprise too many people should he choose to leave – but for now he is completely committed to their season.
- Jamie Vardy: How do you not love him! The veteran for the Foxes and a player who continues to play a crucial role for them. Irrespective of their frustrations he runs himself into the ground, scores some absolutely glorious goals and points to their one league title whenever he plays Spurs – surely you love him!
- Facundo Buonanotte: A midfielder who has been somewhat influential for Leicester. He contributes to both their offensive and defensive duties and adds to the creative edge in the team. His aggression is inherent and welcomed, celebrated in fact, so keep an eye out for him in this spicy affair.
Leicester Team News
Abdul Fatawu (knee injury), Caleb Okoli (knock), Harry Souttar (Achilles tendon), James Justin (foot injury) and Ricardo Pereira (hamstring injury) are all unavailable.
Predicted Line-Up
West Ham, 5-3-2: Areola, Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Cresswell, Scarles, Soucek, Ward-Prowse, Alvarez, Bowen, Kudus
Leicester, 4-2-3-1: Hermansen, Kristiansen, Okoli, Faes, Coulibaly, Soumare, Ndidi, Ayew, Khannous, Decordova-Reid, Vardy.
Suggested Bets
Our suggested bets and online sports betting angles are listed below.
Both Teams to Score: These two teams have shown incredible vulnerability in their defensive system. Neither have been able to keep a clean sheet in forever and so we think Both Teams to Score lands here. Get on at 7/10 (1.7) with BetWinner
Over 2.5 goals: A match with over 2.5 goals is certainly a shrewd betting angle here. We have already mentioned the defensive instability, but when you couple that with attacking options on either side of the pitch, over 2.5 goals starts to look like a banker. 7/10 (1.7) with Stake
Jarrod Bowen (Anytime Goal Scorer): Back West Ham’s consistent attacking ace to find another gear yet again and etch his name onto the scoresheet. 11/10 (2.1) with Betway
Value Bets
West Ham + Over 2.5 Goals: A tight contest might be expected, but we are backing West Ham to edge it. Add the goalscoring aspect to enhance the odds available. Get on at 33/10 (4.3) with Betway
Leicester (Over 10.5 Fouls): A risky option to hang your hat on but given the fact that they will likely not have too much of the ball, we expect them to approach their defensive duties with an added bit of grit. Get on at 33/20 (2.65) with 1xBet
Correct Score (2:1): Always a challenge to pick the correct score but have a punt on the nose here. 28/10 (2.8) with Pinnacle
Prediction: West Ham to Win
We cannot see past a West Ham win here. They will come into this game with an added layer of confidence and given the insecurities of Leicester, it is difficult to see how the Foxes can hurt them.
Back West Ham confidently here.
Ryan Liberty is an experienced sports writer whose articles have featured in some of the biggest sports publications in South Africa. With a strong understanding of all major sports and an in-depth understanding of betting, Ryan consistently delivers insightful content. He's also known for his ability to break down complex topics into engaging, reader-friendly pieces.