Van Nistelrooy already making changes at Leicester ahead of debut against West Ham

Ruud Van Nistelrooy said that he has already started making changes at Leicester City as he prepares for his first game in charge against West Ham.

The former striker joined the Foxes only days after leaving his interim role at Manchester United and replaced Steve Cooper, who was in charge of only 15 matches in all competitions. 

Leicester go into Van Nistelrooy's first game sitting 16th with 10 points from 13 matches, after a 4-1 defeat to Brentford under caretaker boss Ben Dawson on Saturday. 

"In two days it's difficult to make a lot of changes, but we have started to make changes in the style of play, training sessions, structure, little by little, starting to build a foundation of a highly motivated team who can compete in this league," the new Leicester boss said. 

"I had a meeting with the players, and it was the first thing to address - the situation we're in, the challenge that we face, and what's necessary to get out of that situation." 

West Ham, in 14th place, also find themselves in a spot of bother after a 5-2 defeat to second-placed Arsenal last time and Julen Lopetegui will be hoping to collect some valuable points off Leicester, who are two berths below them.

But the under-pressure Spanish tactician is aware that a new manager will provide a spring in Leicester's step at the King Power Stadium. 

"I think that Ruud is a very good manager. He has shown this before in the teams he has worked in, and he has experience in the Premier League,” Lopetegui said.

“We have to be ready, because I am sure the challenge is going to be very tough and demanding. That extra step and energy which happens when a new coach arrives is always important," the Hammers boss said. 

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Leicester - Facundo Buonanotte

No player has been involved in more goals for Leicester in the Premier League this season than 19-year-old Facundo Buonanotte, who is tied with captain Jamie Vardy on four goals and two assists. 

The Argentine netted in both of Leicester's wins this season and was also on the scoresheet in the defeat to Brentford on Saturday. 

West Ham - Jarrod Bowen 

With eight goals and seven assists, Jarrod Bowen has been involved in 15 goals in his last 18 league appearances against promoted sides. 

The West Ham captain has also had a hand in five goals in five league starts against Leicester (three goals and two assists). The 27-year-old already has three goals and three assists in the league this season. 

MATCH PREDICTION: WEST HAM WIN

West Ham will be favourites as they make the trip to the King Power Stadium to face a Leicester side, who are only one point clear of safety and are the risk of dropping straight back into the Championship. 

The Hammers are unbeaten in their last 12 Premier League games against promoted sides (W10 D2) with a 1-0 loss at Nottingham Forest in 2022 their last defeat against a newcomer. 

The visitors will also be boosted by the ending of a run of four away league games without a win (D2 L2) with a 2-0 victory against Newcastle United at St James' Park on 25 November.  

They also did not lose any of their five midweek league fixtures last season (W2 D3), with both those wins coming in away matches.

Leicester, meanwhile, have kept just one clean sheet in their last 19 home league games and have conceded the opening goal in 17 of those 19 games (W4 D4 L11). 

LIVE WIN PROBABILITY 

West Ham win - 45.8%
Leicester win - 29.5%
Draw - 24.7%