Leicester v Huddersfield Preview

There are a few interesting selection headaches for the manager ahead of Huddersfield's visit to the King Power Stadium. Nigel Pearson will surely revert to a 4-4-2 formation after playing 4-5-1 in the last two matches away from home. The main question will be whether new signing Chris Wood's registration is completed in time for him to partner David Nugent up front. If not, Martyn Waghorn would seem the obvious choice. In midfield, King was rested against Burnley and may return in place of Matty James. If the formation does revert to 4-4-2, then only 2 of Dyer, Knockaert and Marshall will play. My guess is that Marshall would miss out. Moore may continue in place of Whitbread if the defender is still not fit enough to regain his place.

All of the omens point towards a comfortable home victory. Leicester have the best defence in the league and have won 8 out of 12 league fixtures at the King Power Stadium this season. Huddersfield, by contrast, haven't won for 9 league games and sit bottom of the form guide over that period. Leicester are looking for their fifth consecutive league victory over the Terriers and their second succesive home and away league double. Huddersfield's last victory at Leicester came at Filbert Street in October 1954. The odds are certainly in favour of the Foxes starting the new year with a win for the third year running.

Happy Newg Year!

David Nugent's 12th goal of the season, in the 31st minute, gave Leicester City a 1-0 victory at Burnley this afternoon. It secured the Foxes fourth away victory of the season and cemented their position in 5th place, as chasing teams faltered. Although Leicester dominated the possession and managed more shots at goal than their opponents, they didn't play particularly well. However, the Foxes managed to keep the Clarets out, to secure an impressive tenth clean sheet in 25 games so far this season. Manager Nigel Pearson, a former centre back, will be delighted with that statistic.

Wes Morgan takes a huge amount of credit for his assist this afternoon. He was fouled in the build-up and may well have been awarded a penalty. However, he fought on and crossed the ball for Nugent to score, from inside the 6 yard box, against his former club. With the best defensive record in the Championship, and 11 goal Chris Wood arriving next week to partner 12 goal David Nugent up front, Leicester may well have the ingredients to make it a very happy 2013.

Next up, Leicester play Huddersfield at the King Power Stadium on New Year's Day. The Terriers are in freefall, having secured just 5 points from their last 9 games, conceding 16 goals along the way. It couldn't be a better time to play them...

Burnley v Leicester Team News

Two changes for Leicester. Dyer replaces King and Moore replaces the injured Whitbread. Burnley's top scorer Charlie Austin plays.

Leicester team in full (4-5-1) :

Schmeichel, De Laet, Moore, Morgan (c), Konchesky, Marshall, Drinkwater, James, Dyer, Knockaert, Nugent.

Substitutes: Logan, Keane, King, Schlupp, Waghorn, Futacs, Gallagher.

Pearson Means Business

The January transfer window doesn't open until next week, yet Nigel Pearson has reportedly secured the signings of two new players. West Bromwich Albion striker Chris Wood has agreed terms with Leicester in a deal reported to be worth an initial £1.25m. The 21 year old New Zealand international has spent this season on loan at Millwall, where he has bagged 11 goals in 19 games for the Lions. Goals have been an issue for the Foxes and Pearson will hope that Wood can forge a productive partnership with David Nugent. The deal will surely trigger the departure of Futacs from the King Power Stadium. It is also reported this evening that Leicester have secured a deal worth £1m for Blackpool defender Alex Baptiste.

Burnley v Leicester Preview

Nigel Pearson will surely presist with the 4-5-1 formation that gained the Foxes a point at Hull on Boxing Day. Tomorrow's trip to Burnley will be the 3rd game of 5 in a hectic 15 day period over Christmas and New Year. It is possible therefore that, although the team performed well at Hull, there may be some changes in personnel. Dyer may come in for Knockaert or Marshall and don't be surprised to see Waghorn replace Nugent up front. Nugent struggled to make an impact at Hull in the lone striker role. Waghorn is 5 years younger than Nugent and should be fresher after a period on the sidelines. Interestingly, only 1 of Nugent's 11 goals this season have come in games away from the King Power Stadium.

Burnley's Charlie Austin has bagged an incredible 23 goals already this season and is the real danger man for the Clarets. Wes Morgan will have to be at his absolute best to keep the striker quiet for 90 minutes, if Austin plays. He was withdrawn during the second half on Boxing Day, complaining of a muscle injury. His absence would be a huge plus for the Foxes. Burnley are currently 13th in the table but have a good home record this season, having lost just 2 of their 12 matches at Turf Moor. Leicester are on the hunt for just their 4th away victory of the season, a record which must improve if they are to mount a serious push for promotion in the New Year. Every other team in the top 6 has secured a minimum of 5 victories on the road already this season. Clearly, Leicester are playing catch-up. 3 points tomorrow could set the tone for a Happy New Year.

Foxes and Tigers Share the Spoils

Leicester City drew 0-0 at in-form Hull City this afternoon, preventing the Tigers from securing their fifth successive league victory. It was a good result for Leicester, away from home, against a team who had won 7 of their previous 10 fixtures. At last Pearson, moved away from the predictable 4-4-2 formation, replacing Dyer and Vardy with Marshall and James. The five man midfield of Knockaert, King, James, Drinkwater, King and Marshall matched up well against Hull and prevented the home side from dominating possession and taking control of the game. However, Nugent was isolated up front and failed to make much of an impact. He was replaced by Waghorn in the 67th minute, who also struggled to affect the game as a lone striker.

Although a point away from home is a good result, Leicester have now failed to score in any of their last three matches, despite having had a total of 40 attempts at goal in those three games. Clearly, a new striker will be top of Nigel Pearson's shopping list in the January sales. If the Foxes are to maintain a place in the top 6 during the second half of the season, they will need to find another striker who can net a dozen goals between now and May. Nugent is certainly capable of that feat but Vardy, Futacs and Waghorn have just seven league goals between them so far this season. Vardy and Waghorn have had plenty of opportunities this season already but Futacs rarely gets an opportunity. It is clear that Pearson has no confidence in the Hungarian's ability to fire Leicester's promotion push in the second half of the season. 

Pearson needs to uncover a gem in the January transfer market but at a reasonable price. £3m Beckford has extended his loan spell at Huddersfield, £3m Waghorn is not scoring regularly and £1m Vardy is struggling with the step up from non-league football. A lot of money spent with very little return in terms of goals. Does anyone know the Thai for "Do you have deep pockets?!"

Hull v Leicester Team News

Leicester City starting eleven: Schmeichel, De Laet, Morgan (c), Whitbread, Konchesky, Knockaert, Drinkwater, James, King, Marshall, Nugent.

As predicted last weekend, a change of formation to 4-5-1 with both Knockaert and Marshall on the pitch from the beginning. A big game for Matty James, I would probably have preferred Dyer, or even Gallagher, who both get a place on the bench.

Substitutes bench looks very attacking: Logan, Moore, Waghorn, Dyer, Futacs, Gallagher, Schlupp.

Hull City v Leicester City Preview

This is not a good time to be playing Hull City. The Tigers have won 7, drawn 1 and lost 2 of their last ten league games, making them the form team in the division. They have also won the last 4, propelling them up to second place in the Championship table. Manager Steve Bruce is likely to name an unchanged side from Friday night's 2-1 victory at Derby.

Leicester, by contrast are experiencing a serious slump in form. Without a win in their last three matches, the Foxes have a very poor away record. Waghorn will be pushing for a place in the starting line up after his substitute appearance in last Saturday's defeat against Cardiff. However, Pearson must surely be considering a change in formation to try and stop the rot. 4-5-1 may be an option with Nugent playing as the lone striker, with Knockaert in a free role in midfield. This would enable Pearson to get Marshall into the starting line-up, to make up a midfield with King, Drinkwater and Dyer.

Pressure Piles on Predictable Pearson

Nigel Pearson selected the same team that lost 1-0 at Millwall last weekend and got exactly the same result against Cardiff City at the King Power Stadium this afternoon. Leicester started the game fairly brightly, testing the goalkeeper on several occasions and hitting the woodwork twice in the first half. The fact that Leicester had 13 shots on target to Cardiff's 3, tells you everything you need to know about the Foxes lack of clinical finishing in recent games. Cardiff, by contrast, had one clear cut opportunity in the 25th minute when Bellamy found space on the edge of the box and fired home an excellent goal. Bellamy was comfortably the best player on the pitch and not a man to leave in space on the edge of your own six-yard box.

Cardiff were extremely organised and solid in the second half and never really looked like surrendering their lead. In truth, Leicester were predictable, one dimensional and devoid of ideas and creativity. This is becoming a major issue for the Foxes, who have managed just 12 points from the last 10 league games, placing them 15th in the form guide over that period. Teams have worked out that Leicester play 4-4-2 week in and week out and that predictability is enabling teams to get results against the Foxes.

Even the substitutions are becoming obvious. In the last 8 games, Marshall has replaced Knockaert on 4 occasions between the 60th minute and the 77th minute. On two other occasions, Knockaert has replaced Marshall during the second half. It is time for Pearson to try something different, perhaps looking for a way to get both of these creative players into his starting line-up. Knockaert is not effective playing wide in midfield and needs to play in the hole behind the strikers or be given the licence to roam.

Schlupp should certainly be getting on to the pitch ahead of Lingard and Futacs must be wondering what he has to do to get onto the pitch. Vardy can't buy a goal and Waghorn has just returned from an operation to remove his appendix. Yet, Waghorn still got onto the field before Futacs. At one point, Waghorn even checked his wound hadn't been damaged after a foul! Meanwhile, Leicester were playing long balls up to short strikers who got little change out of Cardiff's tall, robust defence.

At no point today did the formation change. Leicester could have gone to three at the back, throwing Morgan up front or replaced Konchesky with Schlupp to get an extra midfielder. Knockaert could have played behind the front two. Futacs could have made an appearance to challenge Cardiff's back line and provide an aerial threat. Instead, the substitutions were simply straight swaps and "fresh legs" as the manager put. Pearson must find a different formula for Boxing Day's trip to Hull - much for the manager to chew over during his Christmas dinner.

Leicester City v Cardiff City Preview

Only Burnley and Ipswich have conceded more goals away from home than Cardiff City this season. However, the Bluebirds have also scored more goals on the road than any team apart from Watford. Leicester have the second best home record in the league behind the league leaders and tomorrow's visitors Cardiff. The Foxes boast the meanest defence in the Championship, with just 21 goals conceded in 22 league games. They have also managed 8 clean sheets. Leicester have won just one of their last 4 games and will be keen to put 3 points on the board against a team that they have beaten in each of the last 3 home league meetings. It promises to be an excellent game.

If 100% fit, Waghorn is sure to replace the disappointing Vardy and it may be a toss-up between Knockaert and Marshall to play on the right of midfield. Konchesky needs to perform after a disappointing run, highlighted by the excellent, dynamic performances of Schlupp when deputising at left back recently. Cardiff captain Mark Hudson returns for the visitors after his one match suspension.

Foxes Tamed in the Lions' Den

Leicester slumped to their 6th away league defeat of the season with a 1-0 loss at Millwall this afternoon. Only 3 teams outside of the relegation zone have lost more times on the road so far this term. In the top half of the league, Leicester and Derby share the unenviable record of being the worst travelling teams, each with just 11 points from a possible 33. Questions must be asked as to why Pearson persists with playing 4-4-2 away from home and why Futacs isn't given a run in the side, particularly away from home, where Leicester are often playing a much more direct style of football. Futacs certainly deserves his opportunity over Jamie Vardy, who has failed to impress at this level so far.

City did start the match fairly brightly with several efforts at goal in the first couple of minutes. However, it was a poor performance overall. There was an inevitability about substitute Chris Taylor's 67th minute goal for the home side. He slotted the ball home from inside the six yard box after a period of sustained pressure. Nigel Pearson's double substitution two minutes later, with James and Futacs replacing King and Dyer respectively, was too little too late. There must now be serious consideration given to a switch of formation and personnel for Boxing Day's trip to Hull City. Before that of course, is the small matter of next weekend's visit of league leaders Cardiff City to the King Power Stadium. With such dire away form, the pressure is certainly mounting on Leicester at home. So far, the Foxes have been equal to the challenge but Cardiff will certainly provide the toughest possible test.

Millwall Preview

Millwall striker Darius Henderson has been ruled out of tomorrow's match against Leicester with a hamstring injury. This is a blow for the Lions as Henderson has scored 7 goals for Millwall this term. Club captain Paul Robinson is also missing with a pelvis injury. Leicester's David Nugent has been passed fit, although Waghorn misses out (appendix). This may prompt Nigel Pearson to consider a change to the traditional 4-4-2 formation that he has employed all season. Undoubtedly this has worked at home, where Leicester have built up a formidable record this season.

However, on the road, City have the second worst record of the teams currently in the top half of the Championship table. There is an argument for experimenting with a 4-5-1 formation. Perhaps Nugent to play up front on his own, with Dyer and Marshall playing as wingers. This would leave a midfield three of King, Drinkwater and Knockaert, with the latter being allowed a free role in behind the lone striker. With just 11 away points from a possible 30 so far, it's surely worth trying something different.

Tardy Vardy Snatches Point

Substitute Jamie Vardy's 90th minute goal rescued a point for Leicester against Barnsley in this afternoon's 2-2 draw at the King Power Stadium. Nigel Pearson made one change from the side that beat Derby with Nugent replacing Vardy in the starting line-up. The match started well for Leicester. Knockaert fired a left-footed shot into the bottom corner of the net to give City the lead in just the 9th minute. However, a poor clearance from Schmeichel lead to the equalising goal in the 27th minute, Stephen Dawson firing the ball home from 12 yards. Noble-Lazarus put the visitors 2-1 up in the 39th minute, volleying home superbly from 6 yards. With just seconds remaining on the clock, Vardy fired home a header from Whitbread to snatch the equaliser.

It was a poor performance from Leicester who surrendered possession too easily and were not able to impose their game on the opposition in the same way as they have managed in recent weeks. Their best spell of the game came in injury time when King had a couple of opportunities to steal all 3 points. The result leaves Leicester 5th in the Championship table, with Middlesborough and Hull leapfrogging them in the table. City now face a tough run of fixtures against 3 teams in the top 7 - Millwall, Cardiff and Hull. It will be a real test of Leicester's promotion credentials, particularly the away trips to Millwall and Hull. In the top half of the Championship table, only Derby have accumulated less points on the road than Leicester. Nigel Pearson will have to find a winning formula away from home if City are to improve upon or even maintain 5th place in this very competitive league.

Barnsley Preview

David Nugent should regain his place in the starting line-up for this afternoon's visit of Barnsley to the King Power Stadium. Jamie Vardy, who has only managed 3 league goals this season, is bound to make way. Marshall may well replace Knockaert, given the French player's arrest last weekend for a public order offence. Barnsley are one place above the relegation zone and are the joint lowest scorers in the division. Leicester, by contrast, sit third in the table and have scored 24 goals in 10 home matches. Only Crystal Palace can top that with 27 goals at home.

FA Cup 3rd Round Draw

Leicester City will face Burton Albion at the King Power Stadium in the 3rd Round of the FA Cup. The match will take place on the weekend of 5th and 6th January 2013.

 

The draw in full:

 

Crystal Palace v Stoke City

Brighton & Hove Albion v Newcastle United

Tottenham Hotspur v Coventry City

Wigan Athletic v AFC Bournemouth

Fulham v Blackpool

Aston Villa v Ipswich Town

Charlton Athletic v Huddersfield Town

Barrow/Macclesfield Town v Cardiff City

Barnsley v Burnley

Manchester City v Watford

Swansea City v Arsenal

Leicester City v Burton Albion

Millwall v Preston NE

Cheltenham Town/Hereford United v Everton

Derby County v Tranmere Rovers

Crawley Town v Reading

Aldershot Town v Rotherham Utd/Notts County

Middlesborough v Harrogate Town/Hastings Utd

Accrington Stanley/Oxford Utd v Sheffield Utd

Southampton v Chelsea

QPR v West Brom

Peterborough United v Norwich City

Lincoln City/Mansfield Town v Liverpool

Bolton Wanderers v Sunderland

Nottingham Forest v Oldham Athletic

West Ham v Manchester Utd

Hull City v Alfreton Town/Leyton Orient

Blackburn Rovers v Bristol City

Leeds Utd v Birmingham City

Bury/Southend v Bradford City/Brentford

Luton Town v Wolverhampton Wanderers

Sheffield Wednesday v MK Dons

 

Silence of the Rams

Leicester notched up their 8th home league victory of the season, running out 4-1 winners over Derby County at the King Power Stadium this evening. For the first half an hour, City were irresistible and stormed into a 2-0 lead. Whitbread headed home a superb Waghorn corner in just the sixth minute to put Leicester ahead. In the 23rd minute, Vardy flicked on a Knockaert cross and Waghorn slotted the ball cooly into the bottom corner to double City's advantage. It was a thoroughly deserved goal for man of the match Waghorn, who is going from strength to strength. In truth, Leicester should have killed the game off and scored several more goals in that opening period. Waghorn struck the crossbar and Legzdins in the Derby goal made several good saves to keep the Rams in the game.

Derby came back into the match after the half hour mark and dominated until half-time. They got their rewards when, in the 38th minute, Robinson finished neatly from 15 yards. In the second half, it seemed as if Derby were the most likely team to score again. However, Pearson replaced Dyer and Vardy with Marshall and Nugent in the 66th minute and the pair combined beautifully for Leicester's third goal. Marshall dribbled down the left flank, stood the ball up to the back post and Nugent nodded home his tenth goal of the season. The eleventh followed in the 89th minute - a brilliant, sliced half-volley from the edge of the penalty area into the top corner of the net. Nugent hadn't been expected to play any part in this match and only resumed training yesterday. His 2 goals were a huge bonus for Nigel Pearson's men and crucial in securing all 3 points for the Foxes. The victory moves Leicester up to 3rd place in the table.

Derby Preview

Leicester face Derby County at the King Power Stadium this evening in front of the Sky cameras. Derby are currently in 12th place, having lost their last three away games. The Rams have also lost their last four meetings with the Foxes, failing to score or record a point in any of these fixtures. Only Ipswich have scored fewer on the road than Derby, the Rams managing to find the net just 7 times. No wonder they have only notched up 8 points in their 9 away games this season. By contrast, Leicester have taken 22 points from a possible 27 at home this term and will be confident of improving that record today. With Middlesborough losing at Birmingham last night, Cardiff not playing until tomorrow and Crystal Palace facing a tough home fixture against Brighton, tonight's match presents Leicester with an opportunity to close the gap on the teams above them.

After conceding a penalty at Leeds on Tuesday, Jeffrey Schlupp may lose his place to the more experienced Paul Konchesky. This would be a mistake, as Schlupp offers pace and an attacking threat from full-back. Knockaert may replace Marshall in midfield and, in the continued absence of Nugent, Futacs will be pushing for Vardy's place in the team. The former Fleetwood Town striker works hard for the team but has managed just 3 league goals in 16 appearances this term. Futacs deserves the opportunity to see if he can do any better.