Match details. Championship, Regular Season - 10. Kick-off is Wed 14 Oct, 20:00 Lagos time. It is played at Sincil Bank, Lincoln.
What's at stake. Lincoln City are 16th on 11 points after 9 games, level on points with Wrexham, 1 point clear of Bolton. A win would take them above Wrexham. West Ham are 3rd on 16 points after 9 games, 2 points behind Middlesbrough, level on points with Stoke City. A win would take them above Middlesbrough.
Team news. Lincoln City are without T. Darikwa (knee injury), M. Melia (thigh injury), T. Darikwa (knee injury), M. Melia (thigh injury). West Ham are without K. Lamadrid (injury), K. Lamadrid (injury).
Form. Lincoln City have won four, drawn two and lost four of their last ten, 1.4 points a game. Their last five, newest first: L L W W L. West Ham have won five, drawn three and lost two of their last ten, 1.8 points a game. Their last five, newest first: D D L W W.
The numbers. Lincoln City score one and concede 1.4 a game over their last ten, with four clean sheets and three games without a goal. Lincoln City average 9.1 shots (3.7 on target), 3.9 corners and 2.5 cards a game, with 38% of the ball. West Ham score 2.7 and concede 1.4 a game over their last ten, with two clean sheets. West Ham average 13.1 shots (6.0 on target), 6.3 corners and 1.7 cards a game, with 58% of the ball.
Head to head. The last time they met, on 27 Sep 2023, it finished Lincoln City 0-1 West Ham: Lincoln City had 15 shots to 14, 26% of the ball, two yellow cards.
The case against. Lincoln City's record still gives them 25% to win.
The read. West Ham to win. An open game. Their goals for and against make West Ham the likelier winners; West Ham are the stronger side on form and the table. Their goals for and against point to an open game. Their records put over 2.5 goals at 56%.
The bets. Best bet: Draw or West Ham at 1.19, 78% on the records (West Ham unbeaten in 7 of 8; Lincoln City failed to win 5 of 8). Backup: 2nd Half - Over/Under: Over 0.5 at 1.20. It often rescues the bet, but it is no guarantee. Leave: West Ham Over 0.5 goals (Lincoln City's own games don't back it (4 of 8)); Lincoln City Under 1.5 goals (West Ham's own games don't back it (4 of 8)); Under 4.5 Goals (West Ham are a clear winner, no Unders). Predicted score: Lincoln City 1-2 West Ham (10% chance).
Every score's chance from both teams' checked games, never cut or rescaled. The lit square is the likeliest score that fits the read (the call and an open game).