West Ham United will be desperate for all three points as David Moyes takes charge of his first home game against Leicester City.
The Hammers were beaten 2-0 at Watford last time out, with the away fans expressing their displeasure throughout the second half. It was, in many ways, a strange encounter at Vicarage Road: the hosts played much the better football and had a clearer idea of play, yet West Ham spurned a number of excellent chances to take something from the game.
There were thus a few signs of positivity for Moyes to cling onto, but the former Everton, Manchester United and Sunderland boss will be fully aware of the importance of getting a positive result on board as soon as possible. The Scot will have worked hard in training this week to instil some much-needed organisation and direction to a team who have lacked both qualities so far this season.
Claude Puel suffered his first defeat as Leicester coach last weekend, with the Foxes going down 2-0 to runaway league leaders Manchester City. The home side had their moments at the King Power Stadium, but there was little they could do to halt Pep Guardiola's winning machine, with City again showcasing their frightening attacking potential. Puel will hope for a slightly sturdier defensive display here - Leicester were guilty of affording their opponents too much space between the lines on Saturday - but will be optimistic that the likes of Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez and Demarai Gray can harm West Ham at the other end of the field.
Moyes will be unable to call upon the services of Javier Hernandez (hamstring), Sam Byram (thigh), Jose Fonte (ankle), but Marko Arnautovic could feature despite breaking his thumb last time out. James Collins (ankle) and Michail Antonio (rib) will be assessed before Friday, while Andre Ayew should be available again following a bout of illness. Leicester, meanwhile, will have to make do without Robert Huth (foot) and Matty James (Achilles).
An away win could be on the cards on Friday night, with Leicester's counter-attacking prowess likely to cause problems for West Ham's shaky defensive unit.
