West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has backed Leicester City to beat the drop down the Championship this season; a feat only two clubs have managed, having been bottom on Christmas Day.

West Ham travel to Leicester at the weekend and Allarydce believes Nigel Pearson's side have the capabilities to create history.

Allardyce said: "Somebody at this stage of season, usually at the lower end of the league, normally wins either four out of six matches or three out of five – and therefore gives themselves a lifeline.

"Last year it was Sunderland. And with the performances that Leicester have shown, they could do the same.

"We have to make sure that it's not against us on Saturday. We have to be on top of our game and deliver the performance we need to because they are fighting for their lives down there.

"Overall, Nigel must be pulling his hair out and saying: 'Why haven't our performances given us more results?'

"I suppose that shows the cruelty of the Premier League where some teams, who don't take advantage of things, by not scoring chances, ultimately pay the price."

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