David John reckons it is going to be another long evening for David Moyes and West Ham when they play Leicester on Friday.
West Ham v Leicester (2000GMT, Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League)
I guess West Ham boss David Moyes gave the game away a little by saying he wanted to see what was at his disposal for the trip to Vicarage Road rather than instantly expecting to find a magic solution to his new team’s woes.
The words of Mark Noble also rang true after a drab performance in a 2-0 reverse with the Hammers’ stalwart confirming they seriously lacked belief during his plea to fans for them to stick by the team.
Mired in the bottom three after just two top-flight victories all season, they are 7/4 to add a third at the London Stadium with gritty Scot Moyes now fully aware he and his coaching staff will seriously need to roll their sleeves up if they are going to right a potentially sinking ship.
Sunday’s effort at Watford never realistically looked like being anything other than a home victory but the Hammers certainly had chances to make it interesting with Cheikhou Kouyate and Marko Arnautovic (subbed late on with a hand injury) guilty of two costly misses.
Manuel Lanzini saw a goal-bound effort bundled off the line too so perhaps getting a little rub of the green will help but more conviction in front of the target is needed and the prospect of getting Michail Antonio and Andre Ayew back for this game should be helpful.
Patience from the fans is running thin with former England international Andy Carroll though, who seems more intent on throwing himself around with Moyes forced to call the Geordie over to the touchline at one stage and tell him to rein things in.
Frustrations seem to be getting the better of him more than most and although he offers such a physical presence in the area, Carroll is unlikely to get much change out of Wes Morgan or an improving Harry Maguire for the visitors so trades at a shade under 4/1 to bludgeon his way into the referee’s notebook.
The Foxes were sunk 2-0 as well but were certainly justified in thinking 'what if' having succumbed to runaway Premier League leaders Manchester City.
Vincent Kompany was fortunate not to be issued a red card after three minutes for chopping down Jamie Vardy while Kevin De Bruyne’s superb strike to seal the win was barely seconds after Maguire had seen his shot come back off a post.
I really like the way manager Claude Puel is tackling his new job, taking time to get to know the whole breadth of a decent squad.
His vision of playing winger Marc Albrighton in the middle of the park alongside an excellent Vicente Iborra for a start definitely has some legs while deploying natural wingers Riyad Mahrez and Demarai Gray out wide on a more regular basis.
Moyes will no doubt call on the Stratford faithful to help their team make an impact in his first home game in charge but three defeats from four on their own patch is starting to make the London Stadium very intimidating for the hosts once more.
Any mistakes are sure to be greeted by howls of derision and getting West Ham to step up and collectively take responsibility remains probably the biggest task for Moyes over the fledgling weeks of his new position.
Leicester are in transition too but genuinely look a cut above their opponent and a useful away victory is the conclusion.
Prediction: West Ham 1-3 Leicester
Recommended bet: Friday Premier League
1pt Leicester to beat West Ham at 7/4
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Posted at 0740 BST on 23/11/17.
