The background
West Ham United begin their Capital One Cup campaign when they take on Leicester City at the third round stage on Tuesday night.
The Hammers enter at this round having been involved in Europe this season and have been handed an all-Premier League tie first up, against a team who beat them in league action little over a month ago.
On that occasion Shinji Okazaki and Riyad Mahrez hit the back of the net to ensure Dimitri Payet's second half strike counted for little. Adrian also saw red late on to complete a miserable first home game of the season for the Hammers.
Leicester are the only unbeaten side left in the top flight, and like the Hammers have 12 points from their opening six games. In the Capital One Cup they saw off Bury by a 4-1 scoreline at Gigg Lane.
Claudio Ranieri’s men have a remarkable record of coming from behind to claim a positive result in their last four matches, so Slaven Bilic will remind his team that they will have to remain on their guard throughout.
The history
Leicester are three-time League Cup winners, having lifted the trophy in 1964, 1997 and 2000. In 1964, the Foxes defeated West Ham in the semi-finals before defeating Stoke City to lift the trophy.
The Hammers, meanwhile, have finished as runners-up in this competition on two occasions – in 1966 and 1981. They have reached the semi-finals twice in recent times – in 2010/11 and 2013/14.
West Ham and Leicester have met on 124 previous occasions, with the east Londoners having won 51 times. Leicester have 44 victories to their credit and there have been 29 draws.
Bilic’s men will be aiming to snap a two-game losing streak against the Foxes, having lost 2-1 at the King Power Stadium in April, then falling by the same scoreline a month ago.
The match
Team news
West Ham United
Andy Carroll could be in line for his first start since recovering from a long-standing knee injury having recently returned to the first team squad.
The likes of James Collins and Darren Randolph could also be involved, while Mauro Zarate and Cheikhou Kouyate will both be looking to return after missing out with injury recently
.The League Cup could also provide an opportunity for youngsters Reece Oxford and Josh Cullen, but Michail Antonio and Nikica Jelavic are both cup-tied having featured in the first round for Nottingham Forest and Hull City respectively.
Leicester City
Claudio Ranieri is set to make a number of changes to the team which drew 2-2 with Stoke City at the weekend.
Young striker Joe Doodoo, who scored a hat-trick in the previous round against Bury, looks set to make his home debut for the club.
Match facts
- Tuesday’s referee is Peter Bankes. He will be assisted by Ronald Ganfield and Timothy Wood, while Trevor Kettle is the fourth official.
- The clubs met in the League Cup in 1963/64, with Leicester winning the semi-final tie 6-3 on aggregate.
- Leicester striker Joe Doodoo scored with every shot he attempted at Bury in round two, notching a hat-trick.
- West Ham’s previous four third round ties have produced 17 goals.
- Leicester haven’t played a home League Cup tie as a top flight side since 2001, when they were thrashed 6-0 by Leeds United
Ticket, travel, coverage and other information
- Approximately 200 tickets will be available to purchase by West Ham United supporters at the King Power Stadium (cash only) from the Sub Ticket Office 2 (located between the East and South Stands) from 6.15pm. Matchday prices are £15 Adults, £9 Over-65s/Under-22s, £6 Under-18s, £1 Under-12s
- If you’re not heading to the game, you can follow the game live on our digital platforms. whufc.com’s live match centre will have live text updates, audio commentary, in-running stats and images, while you can get involved on social using the hashtag #LEIWHU.
- Supporters travelling by road can find traffic info here and train news can be found here.
- Early morning rain is set to clear in Leicester in time for kick-off. Temperatures this evening will drop to around 12C (54C).