Struggling Watford make the short journey to London as they take on West Ham United. Both sides are desperate for a win but for different reasons, who will be victorious? Read our free predictions and betting picks for the game here.
18+ | Commercial Content | T&Cs apply | Begambleaware.org | Gamblingtherapy.org
Bookmaker Ratings prediction one: Full-Time Result – West Ham to win – 1.4
Bookmaker Ratings prediction two: Over 2.5 goals in the match – 1.57
Bookmaker Ratings prediction three: West Ham -1.5 handicap – 2.05
A come back from behind ?
A hat-trick of assists for Bowen ?
Niksi’s first goal ?Last time out against tomorrow’s opponents! ⏮#WHUWAT pic.twitter.com/ET0C0O1o5h
— West Ham United (@WestHam)
West Ham to win
West Ham have been rather inconsistent since a memorable win at home to Chelsea in early December. They’re currently on a two-game league losing streak, however, they should have enough to get past relegation strugglers Watford who have only taken two points from their last 27 available.
Over 2.5 goals in the match
Only fellow strugglers Newcastle United and Norwich City have conceded more goals than Watford’s 40, while West Ham are potent in attack. Both sides’ league matches average at least three goals per game, while games played at the Hammers’ London Stadium have had over 2.5 goals 73% of the time.
West Ham to win -1.5 handicap
Watford finally achieved their first clean sheet of the season in their last match. However, this was against a Burnley side who have only scored 16 goals all season. The likes of Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio should be too good not to score at least one each on their way to a comfortable victory.
West Ham have won their last four league games against Watford by at least two goals each time.
“There are no words that will get you out of the situation. The only thing that will get us out of this situation is playing performances.”
? Hodgson is keen to see his team do their talking on the pitch ahead of #WHUWAT.
— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC)
Preliminary review and match prediction for West Ham United vs Watford
Inconsistency has been West Ham’s downfall of late. After the mentioned victory over Chelsea, the Hammers went on a three-game winless streak, before winning three in a row and are now currently on a two-game losing streak after losses to Leeds United and Manchester United.
West Ham still finds themselves in fifth place but Manchester United now occupy the fourth spot held by the Hammers for much of the season while Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers all have multiple games in hand over the Irons.
All of West Ham’s February fixtures are winnable, none more so than this match. However, they need to get off to a good start and remain consistent as maximum points are needed to keep pressure on their competitors for a top four place.
Both sides are under pressure for a victory but for Watford it really is desperate. The Hornets are on a league long nine-game winless streak, seven of those were defeats.
Their last three league matches have been against the sides who alongside Watford are in the most relegation danger, a heavy 3-0 defeat at home to Norwich cost former boss, Claudio Ranieri his job.
That result was sandwiched by draws against Newcastle and then Saturday’s 0-0 draw away to Burnley – the first match of the Roy Hodgson era.
A win for Watford would see the Hornets move out of the bottom three with Norwich City to play on Wednesday, Hodgson helped Watford achieve their first clean sheet of the season on Saturday, more of the same is needed if they are to get anything out of this match.
Get Rich Quick
Bowen has scored four times across West Ham’s last three home fixtures. He has been enhanced to 3.25 odds just to get a shot on target. He is lower odds at 2.75 to score at any time so if you are looking for a longer odds bet, take advantage of William Hill’s enhanced price for a better return.
West Ham United vs Watford Team News
Michail Antonio missed the FA Cup after returning late from Jamaican international duty but should make the start here. Arthur Masuaku and Manuel Lanzini miss out here, while Kurt Zouma is a doubt. Alphonse Areola may continue in goal as Lukasz Fabianski continues to struggle with illness.
Watford will welcome the return of Emmanuel Dennis from suspension, Imran Louza, Adam Masina and William Troost-Ekong were all on the bench on Saturday and will stake claims for starting berths in this match.
Possible Starting Lineups
West Ham United: Areola, Coufal, Dawson, Zouma, Cresswell, Soucek, Rice, Bowen, Fornals, Benrahma, Antonio
Watford: Foster, Femenia, Cathcart, Samir, Kamara, Kucka, Kayembe, Sissoko, Dennis, King, Joao Pedro
Highlighted Player – Jarrod Bowen
Bowen is being touted for an England call up soon and will fancy his chances of boosting his claim with a performance against struggling Watford.
Bowen has contributed six goals and seven assists in 23 games so far this season and looks well on course to better his eight league goals from last season.
Most popular FAQ for West Ham United vs Watford
Who won the last meeting between these clubs?
West Ham defeated Watford 4-1 in the reverse fixture on 28 December 2021.
Where will this fixture be played?
This fixture will be played at London Stadium.
Which bookmaker has the best odds for this game?
We recommend checking out the odds at William Hill for West Ham United vs Watford.
Single: WonEnglish Premier League19:45/8 febWest Ham United vs WatfordBet: West Ham to winto:50% players believe that this bet will win!Single: LostEnglish Premier League19:45/8 febWest Ham United vs WatfordBet: Over 2.5 goals in the matchto:50% players believe that this bet will win!Single: LostEnglish Premier League19:45/8 febWest Ham United vs WatfordBet: West Ham to win -1.5 handicapto:50% players believe that this bet will win!