Leicester City were at the receiving end of a scintillating Mesut Ozil show as the Foxes crumbled to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Arsenal on Monday, despite taking the lead in the first half.
It has been a lukewarm start to the season for Claude Puel’s men who have registered four wins and five losses from their first nine games in the Premier League. In other words, they haven’t been consistent enough.
And they will be up against it once again when West Ham make the trip to the King Power Stadium on Saturday.
The Hammers lost their last two encounters against Brighton and Spurs and Manuel Pellegrini’s men sit 14th in the standings with 7 points. Quite clearly, they haven’t hit top gear this term.
With both the teams struggling for consistency, this mid-table clash will be the game to watch out for on Saturday. Both the teams are packed with loads of talented players who are capable of keeping the fans at the edge of their seats.
Wes Morgan will serve the last game of his red card suspension while Demarai Gray is doubtful to feature as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury.
Jamie Vardy is a bit ill but is likely to start on Saturday while midfielder Matthew James continues to remain on the treatment table to nurse his long-term calf problem.
Made a superb save from Lacazette in the last game and has been a reliable presence between the sticks.
His lack of positioning and awareness was exposed in the last game but Leicester do not have too many options to replace him.
He has been solid at the back and has made some crucial challenges to keep the opposition at bay.
The English international has been the leader of Leicester’s backline for quite some time now and he is always a tough man to beat.
Operated as a wing-back in the last game and got himself a goal; looked solid defensively and Puel should continue to rely on him.
The Frenchman had a couple of awkward moments in the previous outing but has been a dominant presence in the centre of the park.
The Nigerian international is a valuable asset to the Foxes in the midfield with his strength and game reading ability.
Ricardo Pereira didn’t do a great job against Arsenal which might prompt Puel to hand the Algerian a start.
He is likely to be accommodated as a supporting striker in a No.10 role behind Vardy.
He has been in tremendous form this season and once again proved his worth as a playmaker against Arsenal with some neat and creative play in the final third.
He is Leicester’s star man and Puel will be banking on him to propel them to a victory against West Ham.