Everything you need to know about Saturday's game with Leicester City
In brief
West Ham United travel to Leicester City on Saturday to face a team who find themselves at the wrong end of the table. Having beaten Sunderland 1-0 in their last game before the international break, the Hammers will be looking to keep the momentum going by picking up three valuable points.
Sam Allardyce’s men are currently ninth in the Barclays Premier League and are on course for the highest points total since they were promoted back to top flight status in 2012.
Nigel Pearson’s Leicester have struggled to pick up points this season despite some impressive performances. Currently propping up the league with 19 points from 29 games, they nonetheless showed great fight against Tottenham Hotspur in their recent 4-3 defeat and were unlucky to come away from White Hart Lane empty handed.
Earlier in the season, West Ham recorded a 2-0 win over Leicester at the Boleyn Ground courtesy of goals from Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing.
Who are they?
Created in 1884, originally known as Leicester Fosse, they won their first ever game 5-0 against Syston Fosse on 1 November 1884. In 1890 they competed in the FA Cup for the first time, losing 4-0 to Burton Wanderers. Fosse joined the Football League in 1894.The Foxes won their one and only league title way back in the 1928/29 season, however they have had more success in the FA Cup winning it four times – 1949, 1961, 1963 and 1969.
More recently, the Foxes' silverware has come in the League Cup, winning that competition in 1997 and 2000 as well as being runners up in 1999.
Having being relegated from the Premier League in the 2003/04 season they are back in the top flight after a decade away.
Team news
West Ham United
The Hammers are boosted by the return of defensive rock Winston Reid. The New Zealand international could go straight into the starting XI having been out of action for a month following an injury picked up against Chelsea.Enner Valencia’s laceration in his big toe has healed and he started to train in his boots again on an individual basis on Monday. Valencia is unlikely to feature on Saturday but he could be back for next weekend’s tie with Stoke City.
James Tomkins and Doneil Henry are continuing with their rehabilitation from shoulder and hamstring surgery.
Leicester City
Leicester’s chances of survival are boosted by a relatively clean bill of health. The only absentees for Pearson’s side are former hammer Matthew Upson and Dean Hammond. Both are suffering calf injuries.Referee
Saturday’s match referee is Mark Clattenburg. The Durham based official made his Premier League debut in 2004. Eleven years on, the FIFA accredited referee has taken charge of 232 games, dishing out 767 yellow and 38 red cards.This season Clattenburg has refereed three West Ham games – the 3-1 victory away at Crystal Palace, the 2-1 defeat by Everton and the 1-1 draw with Manchester United.
In addition, the 40-year-old has taken just the one Leicester game – their famous 5-3 win over Manchester United.
One to Watch
West Ham United
James Collins
The central defender is likely to continue to hold the fort in defence as Big Sam has to decide whether to stick with Cheikhou Kouyate or welcome back Winston Reid.The 31-year-old centre back has been in great form this season, particularly in recent games. Having played in Wales’ 3-0 win over Israel he will looking to continue his collection of successive clean sheets, having played a key role in the 1-0 over Sunderland.
Leicester City
Jamie Vardy
The 28-year-old striker may have only scored twice this season however his blistering pace and impressive work rate could prove to be a handful on Saturday afternoon.Vardy played a key role in getting the Foxes promoted last season, scoring 16 goals in 41 appearances.
The striker has had an intriguing career path, only turning professional in 2011 when playing for Fleetwood Town. Four years later he’s playing in the Premier League. Having scored against Tottenham last time out he’ll want to get on the scoresheet again.
Tickets
Tickets for Saturday’s game have all SOLD OUT.Travel
For all travel information on getting to the King Power Stadium click here.For fans travelling by public transport, there is a good train service from London St Pancras International, with journey times of little over an hour both ways. Click here for the National Rail website to book trains.
Weather
A cloudy day with sunny intervals is expected on Saturday, with temperatures of 9C (48F) at kick-off.Last away meeting
Leicester City 1-2 West Ham UnitedChampionship
Saturday 23 April 2012
Leicester City: Schmeichel, Peltier, Konchesky, Bamba, Morgan, King (St Ledger 46), Drinkwater, Wellens (Dyer 22), Marshall, Beckford, Nugent (Waghorn 65)
Subs: Howard, Vassell
West Ham United: Green, Reid, Tomkins, Demel (Faubert 76), Nolan, Collison (Lansbury 88), Taylor, Noble, O’Neil, C Cole (D Collins 81), Vaz Te
Subs: Diop, Baldock