Premier League leaders Leicester City will look to move a step closer to pulling off the remarkable feat of winning the title with a win at home to West Ham United on Saturday. Claudio Ranieri's side headed into the weekend on the back of five straight league wins, and they haven't conceded a single goal since they were held to a 2-2 draw by West Bromwich Albion at the start of March. The impossible could well be about to happen.
Leicester City vs. West Ham 2016: Time, TV schedule and team news
League leaders Leicester take on Champions League hopefuls West Ham United on Sunday. It’s not to be missed.
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However, West Ham are certainly capable of bringing them back down to earth with a bump. Slaven Bilić's men still have big ambitions of their own, and they're headed into the round only five points adrift of Manchester City and a Champions League place. Though their achievements this season haven't quite been on a Leicester scale, they've nevertheless been highly impressive. A close match should be anticipated.
Key matchup: Riyad Mahrez vs. Dimitri Payet
Both Riyad Mahrez and Dimitri Payet have been in incredible form for Leicester and West Ham respectively, and they’re two of the very top contenders for the PFA Player of the Year award. They’re not identical players by any means: Mahrez is a pacy winger, while Payet is more of a classic central playmaker. However, they’re both of equal importance to their teams, and whoever sprinkles the most magic here could well win their team the match.
Recent history
Leicester City have won three straight matches against West Ham, with the sides having already met twice this season. Leicester won 2-1 away in the league, before beating West Ham by the same scoreline after extra time in the League Cup. Not since 2012 have West Ham won away at Leicester, and back then things looked very different: both of these teams were playing their league football in England’s second tier.
Leicester City injuries and suspensions
Out: Matty James (knee). In doubt: None.
West Ham United injuries and suspensions
Out: Carl Jenkinson (knee). In doubt: Sam Byram (unspecified muscular injury); Diafra Sakho (knee).
Both of these sides have been rather fortunate on the injury front lately and have one confirmed absentee each. Leicester midfielder James is still sidelined as he continues his comeback from an ACL injury, while Hammers full-back Jenkinson is out with the same problem. He could be joined in the stands by defender Byram and striker Sakho, who are both doubtful.
Match date/time: Sunday, 8:30 a.m. ET, 1:30 p.m. local
Venue: King Power Stadium, Leicester, England
TV: NBCSN (US - English); Telemundo (US - Spanish); TSN (Canada); Sky Sports 1/HD (UK)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (US); TSN live streaming (Canada); Sky Go (UK)
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