Sunday, April 17 from 10.30pm at King Power Stadium, Leicester
LEAGUE leaders Leicester City host top-four aspirants West Ham United at the King Power Stadium for this week’s match of the round, with both teams looking to keep their wonderful seasons rolling.
Leicester City won in fantastic fashion last week against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, with Jamie Vardy finding the back of the net twice in the second half to ensure his side maintained the maximum advantage at the top of the Premier League tree.
The brace moved Vardy within one goal of Golden Boot leader Harry Kane, and onto the second line of betting with Sportsbet.com.au to score the most goals this season at $3.30.
The win moved the Foxes ten points clear of second placed Tottenham, who were able to peg the margin back under double figures after their blistering second half blitz against Manchester United.
Leicester is $1.18 with WilliamHill.com.au to win the title.
Even with a strong seven point lead at the top of the table, Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri said his side is taking nothing for granted in the race for the silverware.
“The last five matches will be terrible because nothing is decided yet as far as the title is concerned,” he said.
“Tottenham are not giving up and we have to stay focussed. Our mission is to do the best we can – then if Tottenham overtake us we will compliment them it is the law of sport.”
West Ham and Arsenal played in a six goal thriller last weekend that did no favours to either side.
The Hammers needed to take full points against the Gunners if they are to force their way into the top-four, and will take little solace from the fact that they came back from a two goal deficit to snatch a point.
West Ham are now five points adrift of fourth placed City and are $21.00 outsiders with Sportsbet.com.au to finish inside the top-four by the end of the season.
Hammers’ manager Slaven Bilic said while he was happy with his side’s performance, the end result did nothing to help his side’s ambitions.
“First of all it was a great game. One of those games of the season. It was amazing. I’m delighted with my players with the way they played.” Bilic said.
“The only thing I’m not happy about was the result. We can talk for ages, but the summary is I am very proud of our performance. The only thing I’m not happy with was result. We should be third in the table – not fourth.”
The last three times the two sides have met Leicester City has taken out the fixture 2-1.
Match Preview
All odds provided by Sportsbet.com.au
Match result: Leicester to win – $1.95
First goal scorer: Jamie Vardy – $5.00
Both Teams to Score: Yes – $1.72
Correct Score: Leicester City 2 – West Ham 1 – $8.00
It is first versus sixth in the English Premier League this weekend as the Hammers of West Ham travel to the East Midlands to face the Foxes.
The match looms as the most important for either side this season with Leicester looking to look down the title while West Ham is looking to crack the top-four.
The two teams have not met in any competition this year.
The last three matches between the two sides have ended with the Foxes getting the better of the Hammers two goals to one, and we are expecting a similar score line here with the title now in sight for Leicester.
We are expecting the Foxes to keep their brilliant run alive and justify the favouritism going into the final stage of the season.
Money back specials for the Foxes vs. Hammers match up
Looking to bet on the first goal scorer market this weekend? Sportsbet.com.au have you covered.
Place a first goal scorer bet on Leicester v West Ham United and if your player’s team fails to score, Sportsbet.com.au will give you cash back – up to $50.
Sportsbet also have a terrific multi insurance promotion running across this weekend.
Place a four or more legged multi across any soccer league this weekend, and if all but one leg wins you get your cash back, up to $100.
Looking to get to not only insure you, but if you are successful that you get a bit of a bonus on top of your winnings?
Place a four or more leg multi on any sport this weekend, and if you miss out by one leg you get your cash back up to $50.
In addition, get a tiered bonus up to 40% added to your winnings.
Bonus are paid as Bonus Bets from 2.5% (4 leg multi) up to 40% of winnings (12+ leg multi); Max Winning Bonus $5,000 Bonus Bets.
