West Ham news round-up: £50m Bowen exit claim, Paqueta ban update
West Ham have endured a tough start to life under Graham Potter.
However, they secured a valuable win on 22 February with a 1-0 victory over Premier League title contenders Arsenal.
The former Chelsea man’s focus will now be on securing a strong finish to the campaign and preparing his squad to secure European qualification next season.
Here, West Ham Zone rounds-up the latest from Rush Green on 25 February.
West Ham v Leicester predicted by supercomputer
West Ham supporters will be encouraged by the latest prediction from a supercomputer for Thursday’s meeting with Leicester.
The Foxes have been in dreadful form losing five of their last six matches in all competitions and the Irons are expected to pile on the misery when the sides meet on 27 February.
The Opta Analyst supercomputer gives the Hammers a 55.7 per cent chance of winning the encounter.
Meanwhile, Ruud van Nistelrooy’s have been handed a 21.6 per cent likelihood of victory with a draw ranked at 22.7 per cent.
Ben Foster shares Jarrod Bowen West Ham valuation
Former Premier League goalkeeper Ben Foster believes that Jarrod Bowen would be interested in a move to Arsenal.
The ex-West Brom ace thinks that the Hammers would have accepted a £50 million bid for the England star had the Gunners approached them in the winter transfer window.
Speaking on the Football Fill-In (25 February), he said: “I think you’d have to pay £50-60million but I think there would be a chance and Bowen would be open to it as well.”
Potter rules out two West Ham stars for Leicester clash
Graham Potter has ruled two Hammers stars out of the clash with the Foxes as the Hammers look to build momentum.
The Irons boss confirmed that the East London outfit will be without Lucas Paqueta and Vladimir Coufal for the London Stadium contest.
He said: “Both won’t make the squad on Thursday but are making progress.
“Probably Vladimir (Cofual) certainly has a chance for Newcastle. Lucas (Paqueta) we will have to see how he responds but for Leicester, no.”
Paqueta ban update
Paqueta could be set for a lifetime ban as details of an FA hearing about his betting charges emerged.
According to Claret & Hugh, the Brazilian’s hearing is set to start around 20 March with a decision expected a few weeks later.
The result is expected to come in April and if found guilty, the Hammers ace could be banned for life.