West Ham United early team news v Leicester: Graham Potter rules two out
Graham Potter has revealed that two players will be absent as West Ham welcome Leicester City on Thursday.
The Hammers are preparing to face Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side on 27 February, with the Foxes coming off the back of four consecutive defeats.
On the flip side, the Irons travelled to Arsenal last time out and secured all three points thanks to a Jarrod Bowen winner, capping off an excellent performance.
Potter will be keen to replicate this showing in E20 but will have to do so without two first-team options who have now been ruled out.
Lucas Paqueta missing for West Ham v Leicester City
It is fair to say that the win at the Emirates was the crowning moment of the ex-Chelsea boss’ spell since joining the Hammers in January.
This period hasn’t been without its issues as the likes of Bowen and Lucas Paqueta have both missed lengthy periods through various concerns.
There have been returns in the past week which has made life easier for the 49-year-old that made it possible to end a run of four games without a win.
Unfortunately, the Englishman is still set to be without some stars for the visit of Leicester, as he confirmed Paqueta and Vladimir Coufal remain absent in his press conference on Tuesday (25 February).
He said: “Both progressing. 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.”
West Ham must build on Arsenal win v Leicester City
The win against the Gunners proved exactly what Potter is trying to do in East London.
The Irons were excellent at the back and were able to shut out Mikel Arteta’s side before catching them out on the counter.
Things were made easier by Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card but ultimately at that stage, the Hammers already looked likely to secure the win.
| Stat | West Ham v Arsenal |
| Interceptions | 14 |
| Blocks | 10 |
| Clearances | 44 |
| Duels won | 53 |
Although it will be a different prospect against Leicester, the standards and quality on show at the London Stadium has to be maintained at a similar level.
Given how poor the Foxes have been, there is no doubt that Potter will be confident of taking all three points but certainly can’t take them for granted.