Premier League: Hammers Hope to Revive Top-Four Hopes Against Hornets

West Ham United vs Watford

West Ham United’s hopes of breaking into the Premier League‘s top four have taken a huge hit after back-to-back league defeats.

The Hammers will be desperate to get back on track when they host relegation-threatened Watford this midweek.

The Hornets’ Premier League 2022 odds of going down are still quite high after failing to beat a couple of fellow relegation strugglers. But with West Ham struggling, can Roy Hodgson’s side claim a crucial victory away at the London Stadium?

Talking Points

West Ham currently short of confidence

West Ham United are in need of a major confidence boost at the moment. After suffering two successive league defeats to both Leeds United and Manchester United, the Hammers nearly suffered a humiliating defeat to non-league side Kidderminster Harriers in the FA Cup.

Luckily, captain Declan Rice popped up with a stoppage-time equaliser, then Jarrod Bowen scored right before the end of extra time to win, 2-1.

To make matters worse for the Hammers, centre-back Kurt Zouma – who had just returned from a lengthy injury layoff – picked up another injury in the cup tie and is now doubtful to feature.

Goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski is also dealing with a injury at the moment, so Alphonse Areola could once again deputise in goal.

David Moyes rested the likes of Michail Antonio and Manuel Lanzini for the cup, so they will most likely be back to start against Watford.

West Ham have been a mixed bag at home this season. While they have beaten both Liverpool and Chelsea at the London Stadium, they have lost two of their last three at home against Southampton and Leeds.

All four of those games finished 3-2 as Hammers home games have usually been high-scoring affairs. West Ham have scored the fourth-most goals at home with 22, while they have also conceded the fourth-most with 18.

Watford seek first win under Hodgson

Watford were unable to end their long winless run in new coach Roy Hodgson’s first game in charge as they were held to a goalless draw by Burnley.

The Hornets were more than competitive against the Clarets with 11 shots – five on target – but they continued to struggle finding the back of the net. They have scored more than one goal just once in their last 10 games in all competitions, with eight defeats and two draws.

Emmanuel Dennis – the team’s leading scorer this season with 8 goals – will be back from his one-game suspension, which will be a big boost for the Hornets. However, the Nigerian forward has been struggling of late, going scoreless in his last three appearances.

Ismaila Sarr is unlikely to feature so soon after Africa Cup of Nations duty, so Joao Pedro looks set to make another start. The 20-year-old Brazilian has been responsible for many of the Hornets’ Premier League 2022 highlights in recent weeks, with two goals and 18 shots in his last four games.

Watford have won just twice away from home this season, with six defeats and two draws. The two draws have come in their last two games against fellow relegation strugglers Newcastle and Burnley.

History

West Ham have dominated Watford in recent years. The Hammers have won four of their last five matches, all of which have been by two goals or more.

West Ham won their first meeting of the season at Vicarage Road, 4-1. Emmanuel Dennis had given Watford an early lead, but the Hammers scored four goals without reply to get the win.

Betting Tip 

	West Ham United vs Watford	Watford Asian Handicap +1.50 @ 1.80
	February 09, 03:45 (GMT+8)

SBOTOP odds have West Ham installed as massive 1.39 favourites against Watford, who are priced at 7.40 to pull off the upset at the London Stadium.

West Ham are clearly in need of a good result after their recent struggles, and a home game against Watford is a great opportunity to get back on track.

But after a tough cup tie that needed 120 minutes, the Hammers will not exactly be fresh against the Hornets, who will be keen to pick up at least a point.

Hodgson’s side will try to frustrate the Hammers for as long as possible, so even if they wind up losing to West Ham, it will most likely be by a narrow margin.

 

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