Foxes of Leicester
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Match preview: Leicester City Vs West Ham United

By Harneet Singh Sethi

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 24: Marc Albrighton of Leicester City (C) celebrates as he scores their first goal with Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Leicester City at London Stadium on November 24, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 24: Marc Albrighton of Leicester City (C) celebrates as he scores their first goal with Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Leicester City at London Stadium on November 24, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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Leicester City would look to avoid a sixth consecutive home game without a win as they face West Ham United.

Having had a torrid time playing at the King Power Stadium in the last couple of months, the onus is on the Foxes to try and turn things around for themselves if they are to finish off the season strongly.

They can take a lot of heart from the fact they would be up against the ever-so cautious West Ham United, who are simply looking to avoid any slip up to ensure Premier League survival. David Moyes, as we’ve recently seen, has been reluctant to send out a team to attack, even against opponents that can be dominated.

That kind of a mentality can certainly be pounced upon – and it must be pounced upon if you are Claude Puel, a man looking to prove a point to the board, the fans and the critics. The problem, however, would be the shortage of confidence to go with the shortage of players.

Leicester City would be without nine first-team players for the Hammers’ visit, meaning that it’d be a weakened side with second-choice names and virtually no one to call upon off the bench if the situation demands.

Still, the Foxes must believe that West Ham United are a beatable team, and since they are coming on the back of consecutive 4-1 defeats to Arsenal and Manchester City, they won’t be too confident either.

Main Man

BURNLEY, ENGLAND – APRIL 14: Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Burnley and Leicester City at Turf Moor on April 14, 2018 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
BURNLEY, ENGLAND – APRIL 14: Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Burnley and Leicester City at Turf Moor on April 14, 2018 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images) /

Leicester City are a team that’s badly in need of some magic, and there’s only one man who can provide that: Riyad Mahrez. He has gone a bit quiet in the recent few games, but that’s partly because of a collective failure.

He is, however, a good enough player to recover from a rough patch and let his talent take centre stage when it’s required.

Quotes

"“We are aware of what we want for the end of the season and next season. We must keep our concentration,” said Claude Puel.“We have to play with character and fighting spirit. It’s a tough situation but we must give our best and the players must show their quality.”"

Next: Reports: Jonny Evans to sign for Leicester City?

Possible XI

Hamer; Fuchs, Dragovic, Maguire, Simpson; Gray, Choudhury, Silva, Mahrez, Diabate; Vardy.