Millwall defender Alan Dunne scored his first goal in nearly 3 years to condemn Leicester to another league defeat at the King Power Stadium this evening. It was a disastrous start to the match, as captain Wes Morgan was shown a red card in just the 3rd minute of the match, after tangling with Keogh. Morgan was the last man, committed a foul and the sending off was the correct decision. Leicester's performance was spirited for the remainder of the game as they kept 2 men up front, brought Konchesky into centre back and pulled Schlupp in to the full-back position. However, playing with 10 men for the majority of the match took its toll on the City players, and Dunne popped up with 3 minutes remaining to steal the points for the visitors.
If Brighton force a victory at Nottingham Forest tomorrow, Leicester will be outside of the play-off places for the first time since December, having blown the 11 point cushion that they held over 7th place at the end of January. With 7 games remaining, City must win a minimum of 4. After a run of just 1 victory in the last 10 games, it is difficult to see how they are going to achieve that kind of form. Next, Leicester face a difficult trip to relegation threatened Barnsley. The Yorkshire side are just 2 points clear of the drop zone and it will be another tough game for the Foxes. Many teams are scrapping for points - Leicester must do so too. Can they begin to resurrect their season on Easter Monday?!
A fan's view on Leicester City
Friday 29 March 2013
Thursday 28 March 2013
Leicester City v Millwall Preview
Nigel Pearson has the rare luxury of choosing from a fully fit squad. Ritchie De Laet has recovered fully from an ankle injury and Matty James has overcome a knee problem. Chris Wood returned early from International duty with New Zealand and is also available for selection. Andy King featured in both of Wales International fixtures, playing a full 90 minutes against Croatia on Tuesday and coming through unscathed. St. Ledger made a brief substitute's appearance for the Republic of Ireland and Kasper Schmeichel warmed the bench for both of Denmark's matches.
With a fully fit squad and a week's warm weather training in Portugal under their belts, City welcome Millwall to the King Power Stadium tomorrow night. The Lions are in 14th place, with nothing tangible to play for in the remaining few games. City have everything to play for, including their manager's future. It's time for the players to show how much Nigel Pearson means to them. With at least 4 wins needed from 8 games to scrape into the play-off places, anything other than a victory for Leicester tomorrow night is unthinkable.
With a fully fit squad and a week's warm weather training in Portugal under their belts, City welcome Millwall to the King Power Stadium tomorrow night. The Lions are in 14th place, with nothing tangible to play for in the remaining few games. City have everything to play for, including their manager's future. It's time for the players to show how much Nigel Pearson means to them. With at least 4 wins needed from 8 games to scrape into the play-off places, anything other than a victory for Leicester tomorrow night is unthinkable.
Saturday 16 March 2013
Silenced by the Rams
Derby County 2 - 1 Leicester City
I said before the game that this was close to a "must win" game for Leicester. It was certainly a "mustn't lose" game but lose it they did. Two defensive errors in the first half cost City dearly. First, St. Ledger allowed Richard Keogh to out-muscle him in the 16th minute and head home the opening goal. Just before half time, Chris Martin escaped the attentions of Michael Keane to double the Rams advantage. Pearson changed things at half-time but it was too little, too late. Schlupp replaced Wellens, who had comfortably been the best City player in the first half. In my view, Drinkwater had a shocking game and should have been the man to make way. In the 62nd minute, Schlupp gave the visitors hope with a thunderous strike from the edge of the box. It wasn't enough and Derby held on to claim all three points and end a run of 8 games without a victory.
Leicester have now won just 1 of their last 9 league games, securing just 6 points from a possible 27. Nobody in the Championship has a worse record over that period. With a 2 week International break before their next game, the pressure on manager Nigel Pearson couldn't be greater. Whilst I still think it would be a mistake to get rid of him now, it wouldn't surprise me to see a new man in charge of City's next game against Millwall on Good Friday. City's big players are completely out of form - Nugent, Wood and Knockaert to name just 3, are not performing at the level that is expected of them. In the last 9 games, those 3 players have scored just 2 goals between them. In the previous 9 games, those 3 players managed 12 goals (Wood was only signed for the last 4 of these fixtures!) How do you explain such a dramatic collapse in form? Well, I'm afraid that most people start by pointing the finger at the manager.
I said before the game that this was close to a "must win" game for Leicester. It was certainly a "mustn't lose" game but lose it they did. Two defensive errors in the first half cost City dearly. First, St. Ledger allowed Richard Keogh to out-muscle him in the 16th minute and head home the opening goal. Just before half time, Chris Martin escaped the attentions of Michael Keane to double the Rams advantage. Pearson changed things at half-time but it was too little, too late. Schlupp replaced Wellens, who had comfortably been the best City player in the first half. In my view, Drinkwater had a shocking game and should have been the man to make way. In the 62nd minute, Schlupp gave the visitors hope with a thunderous strike from the edge of the box. It wasn't enough and Derby held on to claim all three points and end a run of 8 games without a victory.
Leicester have now won just 1 of their last 9 league games, securing just 6 points from a possible 27. Nobody in the Championship has a worse record over that period. With a 2 week International break before their next game, the pressure on manager Nigel Pearson couldn't be greater. Whilst I still think it would be a mistake to get rid of him now, it wouldn't surprise me to see a new man in charge of City's next game against Millwall on Good Friday. City's big players are completely out of form - Nugent, Wood and Knockaert to name just 3, are not performing at the level that is expected of them. In the last 9 games, those 3 players have scored just 2 goals between them. In the previous 9 games, those 3 players managed 12 goals (Wood was only signed for the last 4 of these fixtures!) How do you explain such a dramatic collapse in form? Well, I'm afraid that most people start by pointing the finger at the manager.
Derby v Leicester Team News
One change from the midweek draw at Cardiff - Konchesky replaces Schlupp. Team in full:
Schmeichel, St. Ledger, Morgan (c), Keane, Konchesky, Wellens, King, Drinkwater, Nugent, Wood, Dyer.
Substitutes:
Logan, Whitbread, Marshall, Schlupp, Waghorn, Kane, Vardy.
Schmeichel, St. Ledger, Morgan (c), Keane, Konchesky, Wellens, King, Drinkwater, Nugent, Wood, Dyer.
Substitutes:
Logan, Whitbread, Marshall, Schlupp, Waghorn, Kane, Vardy.
Friday 15 March 2013
Derby County v Leicester City Preview
It is hard to call any match "must win" but if this weekend's results go against Leicester City, they will be in 6th place on goal difference alone. An 11 point cushion over 7th place will have evaporated in a period of just 6 weeks. The last 5 Championship seasons suggest that Leicester are going to need 4 or 5 more wins (and a couple of draws) from their remaining 9 games to guarantee 6th spot. 4 wins puts them on 71 points, 5 wins gives them 74 points. Going back in time over the last 5 seasons, 75, 75, 70, 75, 71 points would have secured 6th place.
It is worth noting that City's goal difference of +26 is significantly better than any of the chasing pack and is effectively worth an extra point. Let's hope it doesn't come down to that! To avoid that scenario, Leicester must put some wins on the board in the next 3 games against teams in 15th, 17th and 21st place respectively. Their final 3 games are against teams in 4th, 3rd and 6th place respectively. The Foxes can't afford to leave it that late.
As for tomorrow's televised match at Derby, mixed news. De Laet and Konchesky have both been declared fit but Knockaert is unavailable due to a family bereavement. Wood (hamstring) is also a doubt. I hope Pearson perseveres with the formation that nearly secured all 3 points at Cardiff in midweek. There will be a couple of changes in personnel. St. Ledger was man of the match in Cardiff and De Laet has impressed of late. I would expect both of these two to start in the full-back positions with Schlupp and Konchesky missing out. Kane should come into a front three with Nugent and Dyer. Other than that, the team that performed so well in Cardiff, including Wellens in a midfield 3 with King and Drinkwater, should be given another chance.
Without wishing to put the mockers on them, the Foxes are looking for their 6th successive victory against the Rams. City have won 1 of their last 8 games - Derby haven't won any of their last 8. Both sides are desperate for a win.
It is worth noting that City's goal difference of +26 is significantly better than any of the chasing pack and is effectively worth an extra point. Let's hope it doesn't come down to that! To avoid that scenario, Leicester must put some wins on the board in the next 3 games against teams in 15th, 17th and 21st place respectively. Their final 3 games are against teams in 4th, 3rd and 6th place respectively. The Foxes can't afford to leave it that late.
As for tomorrow's televised match at Derby, mixed news. De Laet and Konchesky have both been declared fit but Knockaert is unavailable due to a family bereavement. Wood (hamstring) is also a doubt. I hope Pearson perseveres with the formation that nearly secured all 3 points at Cardiff in midweek. There will be a couple of changes in personnel. St. Ledger was man of the match in Cardiff and De Laet has impressed of late. I would expect both of these two to start in the full-back positions with Schlupp and Konchesky missing out. Kane should come into a front three with Nugent and Dyer. Other than that, the team that performed so well in Cardiff, including Wellens in a midfield 3 with King and Drinkwater, should be given another chance.
Without wishing to put the mockers on them, the Foxes are looking for their 6th successive victory against the Rams. City have won 1 of their last 8 games - Derby haven't won any of their last 8. Both sides are desperate for a win.
Tuesday 12 March 2013
Pearson Makes a Positive Point
In normal circumstances, a 1-1 draw away from home at top of the table Cardiff would be heralded by City fans as a great result, especially after the recent run of poor form and disappointing performances. The fact that Cardiff's equaliser came in the 93rd minute will leave a bitter taste in the mouth for some. It shouldn't. Nigel Pearson tried something different, adopting a 4-3-3 formation when Leicester were in possession, which became 4-5-1 when defending. Wellens, St. Ledger and Dyer all came in to freshen up the side. Leicester were much more resilient and combative in midfield and it was a much better performance all round.
Michael Keane's 72nd minute header gave Leicester a deserved lead, in a second half that they dominated. Pearson will consider his side team unlucky not to be flying home with all 3 points this evening. However, a point means that Leicester cannot now be knocked out of the play-off places this weekend. This could be crucial. A two week international break staring at a league table with Leicester City in 7th place is not what the Foxes need!
Michael Keane's 72nd minute header gave Leicester a deserved lead, in a second half that they dominated. Pearson will consider his side team unlucky not to be flying home with all 3 points this evening. However, a point means that Leicester cannot now be knocked out of the play-off places this weekend. This could be crucial. A two week international break staring at a league table with Leicester City in 7th place is not what the Foxes need!
Cardiff City v Leicester City Team News
3 changes. Team in full: Schmeichel, St. Ledger, Morgan (c), Keane, Schlupp, King, Wellens, Drinkwater, Dyer, Wood, Nugent.
Substitutes: Logan, Whitbread, Marshall, Knockaert, Kane, Vardy, Waghorn.
Substitutes: Logan, Whitbread, Marshall, Knockaert, Kane, Vardy, Waghorn.
Fixture Change
Leicester City's home league game against Watford, originally scheduled for Saturday 27th April, has been selected for live television coverage by Sky. It will now take place a day earlier, on Friday 26th April, with a 7:45pm kick-off. It means that just 7 of City's 23 home fixtures this season will have taken place at 3pm on a Saturday. Of their 10 televised appearances, 8 will have been home fixtures.
Monday 11 March 2013
Cardiff City v Leicester City Preview
With a difficult trip to Cardiff tomorrow night, and a 5:20pm kick-off on Saturday evening, it is a distinct possibility that Leicester City will find themselves outside of the play-off places on Saturday afternoon. This would be a huge psychological blow for the Foxes and one that they might well struggle to recover from. A positive result of any kind at Cardiff could be a huge boost for Nigel Pearson's men. I suspect that we might see a return to the 4-5-1 formation that worked at Hull and Burnley in December and triggered the brilliant run of victories throughout January.
De Laet and Konchesky are both doubts, and Schlupp's less than convincing performance on Saturday may mean that Whitbread and St. Ledger both play. Cardiff's captain Mark Hudson and talisman Craig Bellamy are both set to play, having both missed the draw against Derby. It is a tough ask for Leicester. Cardiff have only conceded 12 goals at home all season and Leicester have struggled to create much in recent games. The Foxes will have to be clinical in front of goal if they are to take anything from this fixture.
I would like to see Pearson try something different in tomorrow's game. Knockaert could play in a free role behind a lone striker to get him more involved in the match. Michael Keane could play in a defensive midfield role to try and break up Cardiff's play and shore up the midfield. Whatever Pearson decides to do, he cannot afford to play safe. If he does opt for 4-4-2, with the same personnel who have performed poorly in recent weeks, he cannot afford to lose the match. It is time to be brave!
De Laet and Konchesky are both doubts, and Schlupp's less than convincing performance on Saturday may mean that Whitbread and St. Ledger both play. Cardiff's captain Mark Hudson and talisman Craig Bellamy are both set to play, having both missed the draw against Derby. It is a tough ask for Leicester. Cardiff have only conceded 12 goals at home all season and Leicester have struggled to create much in recent games. The Foxes will have to be clinical in front of goal if they are to take anything from this fixture.
I would like to see Pearson try something different in tomorrow's game. Knockaert could play in a free role behind a lone striker to get him more involved in the match. Michael Keane could play in a defensive midfield role to try and break up Cardiff's play and shore up the midfield. Whatever Pearson decides to do, he cannot afford to play safe. If he does opt for 4-4-2, with the same personnel who have performed poorly in recent weeks, he cannot afford to lose the match. It is time to be brave!
Saturday 9 March 2013
Pressure Piling on Predictable Pearson
Leicester have now won just 1 of their last 7 league games after a dismal 1-0 defeat at home to Shefield Wednseday this afternoon. It is a run that has seen the Foxes slip from 2nd to 5th in the table and has seen their 11 point cushion over 7th place reduced to just 2 points. It is worth noting that in this run of 7 games, all of City's opponents have been in tenth place or lower in the league standings. This is a sobering thought as City have to play 6 of the top 8 in their final 10 games. Make no mistake - in this form, City have a fight on their hands to cling on to one of the play-off spots. Despite the slump, sacking the manager is not the answer to City's problems.
Undoubtedly though, some things will have to change. The experiment of playing Kane on the wing hasn't worked - Dyer or Knockaert must be brought back in. If fit, Matty James or today's new signing Connor Clifford, have to be drafted into central midfield to give the Foxes fresh impetus. Indeed, there is an argument for playing both and switching to 4-5-1, particularly away from home and specifically for Tuesday's tricky trip to Cardiff. At home, the Foxes have to find a plan B, whether that's 4-3-3 or 3-5-2. They are too predictable and opposition managers have worked them out.
For the record, Connor Wickham's goal in the 70th minute completed a 1-0 win for Sheffield Wednesday and moves them up to the giddy heights of 19th. Leicester, for all the doom and gloom, remain 5th. There are 10 games to go and City are still in the hunt for a play-off place. Most Leicester fans would have accepted that scenario before a ball was kicked this season.
Undoubtedly though, some things will have to change. The experiment of playing Kane on the wing hasn't worked - Dyer or Knockaert must be brought back in. If fit, Matty James or today's new signing Connor Clifford, have to be drafted into central midfield to give the Foxes fresh impetus. Indeed, there is an argument for playing both and switching to 4-5-1, particularly away from home and specifically for Tuesday's tricky trip to Cardiff. At home, the Foxes have to find a plan B, whether that's 4-3-3 or 3-5-2. They are too predictable and opposition managers have worked them out.
For the record, Connor Wickham's goal in the 70th minute completed a 1-0 win for Sheffield Wednesday and moves them up to the giddy heights of 19th. Leicester, for all the doom and gloom, remain 5th. There are 10 games to go and City are still in the hunt for a play-off place. Most Leicester fans would have accepted that scenario before a ball was kicked this season.
Leicester v Sheffield Wednesday Team News
As expected, Schlupp in for Konchesky. Kane keeps his place. Team in full:
Schmeichel, De Laet, Morgan (c), Keane, Schlupp, Marshall, King, Drinkwater, Kane, Wood, Nugent.
Substitutes: Logan, St. Ledger, Wellens, Gallagher, Waghorn, Knockaert, Vardy.
Friday 8 March 2013
Leicester v Sheffield Wednesday Preview
There is speculation in the newspapers today that if Leicester lose at home to Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow, then Nigel Pearson will lose his job. This is quite frankly ridiculous. Pearson came in half way through last season and the club finished in 9th place. This season, Pearson's first full season in charge, the club are on course to finish in 5th place. The manager has had to weed out and remove devisive characters in the squad. He has had to re-balance the squad from the mess that was left by his predecessor, cutting the wage bill in the process. He has brought in young, talented players like Wood, Morgan, De Laet, Keane, Drinkwater, James. If City finish in the play-off places, regardless of the eventual outcome, it represents progress from last season. Therefore, the manager has earned the right to continue in his job next season too.
If the Foxes fail to gain promotion in 2013/14, the owners should re-assess the situation then. A change of manager now could move City in the wrong direction. After all, Pearson is statistically one of the best managers Leicester have ever had. During his first spell in charge of the club, Pearson won 51.4% of matches. No other Leicester manager in history (minimum of 10 games in charge) has a better record. The second best record belonged to Frank O'Farrell who won 46.27% of matches between 1968 and 1971. Guess who is in third place in the all time list? Nigel Pearson - during this spell, with a win ratio of 45.33%. These statistics don't lie. Pearson is doing a good job. The only route to Premiership is based on stability, continuity and building good foundations. Looking for City's 15th manager this century is not the answer.
Konchesky is out of tomorrow's match against Sheffield Wednesday with a hamstring injury - expect St. Ledger or Schlupp, who returns from his trial at Manchester United, to deputise at left back. I wouldn't expect the Kane experiment to continue in midfield. He is likely to be on the bench with Marshall and Knockaert playing wide. The visitors have lost their last two matches and sit 20th in the Championship table.
Score prediction: 2-0
If the Foxes fail to gain promotion in 2013/14, the owners should re-assess the situation then. A change of manager now could move City in the wrong direction. After all, Pearson is statistically one of the best managers Leicester have ever had. During his first spell in charge of the club, Pearson won 51.4% of matches. No other Leicester manager in history (minimum of 10 games in charge) has a better record. The second best record belonged to Frank O'Farrell who won 46.27% of matches between 1968 and 1971. Guess who is in third place in the all time list? Nigel Pearson - during this spell, with a win ratio of 45.33%. These statistics don't lie. Pearson is doing a good job. The only route to Premiership is based on stability, continuity and building good foundations. Looking for City's 15th manager this century is not the answer.
Konchesky is out of tomorrow's match against Sheffield Wednesday with a hamstring injury - expect St. Ledger or Schlupp, who returns from his trial at Manchester United, to deputise at left back. I wouldn't expect the Kane experiment to continue in midfield. He is likely to be on the bench with Marshall and Knockaert playing wide. The visitors have lost their last two matches and sit 20th in the Championship table.
Score prediction: 2-0
Tuesday 5 March 2013
Keane to Cover up Dyer Performance
A Michael Keane header, in the 4th minute of injury time, rescued a precious point for Leicester City against Leeds Utd this evening. It was a poor performance from the Foxes, who were frustrated by a well organised Leeds side. Samuel Byram put the visitors 1-0 up from a corner in the 52nd minute, volleying home at the far post. It was poor defending and Schmeichel should probably have dealt with the cross. Schmeichel made amends in injury time, coming up for a series of corners and making a nuisance of himself. This allowed Michael Keane to steal in at the far post and nod home the equaliser.
Questions have to be asked about the tactical setup of the team this evening. Kane was played out of position at right midfield in the first half and looked out of his depth. Konchesky came off injured at half time and was replaced by Lloyd Dyer, who didn't look comfortable at left back. Meanwhile, Whitbread was on the bench, St. Ledger didn't make the squad, Moore is out on loan and Schlupp is on trial at Manchester United. All could have done a job at left back. It seems odd to only have one defensive option out of 7 substitutes, but even more odd not to use that player when a defender gets injured!
The silver lining for City is that they did rescue a point from the match, while Brighton only drew and Middlesborough lost. Forest have now moved into 7th place in the table. Having won only 1 of their last 6 league games, Leicester must beat Sheffield Wednesday at the King Power Stadium on Saturday to re-gain some momentum in their push to secure a play-off place.
Questions have to be asked about the tactical setup of the team this evening. Kane was played out of position at right midfield in the first half and looked out of his depth. Konchesky came off injured at half time and was replaced by Lloyd Dyer, who didn't look comfortable at left back. Meanwhile, Whitbread was on the bench, St. Ledger didn't make the squad, Moore is out on loan and Schlupp is on trial at Manchester United. All could have done a job at left back. It seems odd to only have one defensive option out of 7 substitutes, but even more odd not to use that player when a defender gets injured!
The silver lining for City is that they did rescue a point from the match, while Brighton only drew and Middlesborough lost. Forest have now moved into 7th place in the table. Having won only 1 of their last 6 league games, Leicester must beat Sheffield Wednesday at the King Power Stadium on Saturday to re-gain some momentum in their push to secure a play-off place.
Leicester v Leeds Team News
It could be 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 with Wood, Kane and Nugent all starting:
Schmeichel, De Laet, Morgan (c), Keane, Konchesky, Knockaert, King, Drinkwater, Kane, Wood, Nugent.
Substitutes: Logan, Whitbread, Wellens, Gallagher, Dyer, Waghorn, Marshall.
Monday 4 March 2013
Leicester v Leeds Preview
Of Leicester's remaining 12 Championship fixtures, 7 are against teams currently in the top 10. This includes 4 matches against other teams in the top 6, with 3 of these away from home. Forget 2nd place, securing a play-off place will be a good achievement from here. Brighton and Middlesborough are breathing down Leicester's neck - both play bottom of the pile Bristol City this week. Leicester have two home games in 5 days and you would think that anything less than 4 points out of 6 will increase the pressure on the Foxes.
David Nugent may return from a neck injury after resuming training today. The big question will be whether Pearson plays 4-4-2 as he did against Blackburn, or whether he plays 4-3-3 with Wood, Kane and Nugent upfront as at Blackpool. I suspect it will be 4-4-2, with Nugent on the bench for the 2nd half if needed. Leeds are in decent form, with 7 points from their last 3 games. They haven't conceded a goal in any of them. This will be a tough test for City and I would expect the defensive qualities of both sides to prevail.
Prediction: 0-0
David Nugent may return from a neck injury after resuming training today. The big question will be whether Pearson plays 4-4-2 as he did against Blackburn, or whether he plays 4-3-3 with Wood, Kane and Nugent upfront as at Blackpool. I suspect it will be 4-4-2, with Nugent on the bench for the 2nd half if needed. Leeds are in decent form, with 7 points from their last 3 games. They haven't conceded a goal in any of them. This will be a tough test for City and I would expect the defensive qualities of both sides to prevail.
Prediction: 0-0
Saturday 2 March 2013
Away Day Blues
A David McGoldrick goal 5 minutes from full-time consigned Leicester to a 1-0 defeat at struggling Ipswich Town this afternoon. It is the Foxes 8th away league defeat of the season, a statistic that may cost them in the final analysis of the season. More worringly, City have lost 3 of their last 5 league games, which leaves them glancing nervously over their shoulders. In my view, the issue is no longer whether Leicester can chase down 2nd place, but whether they can cement a play-off place. At the end of January, City had an 11 point cushion over 7th place. Today, that gap is down to 3 points.
With 7th placed Middlesborough turning in an impressive 2-1 victory over league leaders Cardiff today, it is going to be a fight to stay in the top 6. While Leicester's away form may cost them automatic promotion, their excellent home form will need to continue in order to secure them a play-off place. Two home games this week will be a real test of their resolve. Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday come to the King Power Stadium on Tuesday and Saturday respectively. With a tough run-in looming, anything other than 6 points from these two games may see the gap to 7th place reduced even further.
With 7th placed Middlesborough turning in an impressive 2-1 victory over league leaders Cardiff today, it is going to be a fight to stay in the top 6. While Leicester's away form may cost them automatic promotion, their excellent home form will need to continue in order to secure them a play-off place. Two home games this week will be a real test of their resolve. Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday come to the King Power Stadium on Tuesday and Saturday respectively. With a tough run-in looming, anything other than 6 points from these two games may see the gap to 7th place reduced even further.
Ipswich v Leicester Team News
As expected, an unchanged side:
Schmeichel, De Laet, Morgan (c), Keane, Konchesky, Marshall, King, Drinkwater, Knockaert, Wood, Kane.
Substitutes: Logan, Whitbread, Wellens, Gallagher, Dyer, Waghorn, Vardy.
Record Losses
Leicester City Football Club have announced record losses of £29.7 million for the season 2011/12. This figure includes £27.7 million in wages - over £532,000 per week. In 2010/11, City spent £16.6 million on wages. The club's debt to the Thai owners has now risen to a total of £61.6 million.
Friday 1 March 2013
Ipswich v Leicester Preview
Ipswich have failed to score in 12 Championship matches this season, including their last two - a worse record than any other side in the division. This calendar year, they have won just 2 of their 10 matches in all competitions. Leicester haven't conceded in their last two games, meaning they have managed an unrivalled 14 clean sheets this season. Indeed, the Foxes are the only team in the league to have conceded, on average, less than a goal per game. You might be forgiven for thinking that there is only one possible outcome tomorrow. However, Portman Road is one of those grounds that Foxes fans will hold few happy memories of.
David Nugent is a doubt still with a neck injury and I would be amazed if Nigel Pearson does anything other than send out the same 11 players who started the game against Blackburn on Tuesday night. It was the best performance that the Foxes have put in for some time and the manager will be hoping for a repeat performance tomorrow afternoon. Two loanees may make their debut for Ipswich. Reece Brown is on loan from Manchester United and Frank Nouble, who scored a hat-trick for the U21's this week, is on loan from Wolves.
Prediction: 0-2
Potential line-up:
Schmeichel
De Laet Morgan (c) Keane Konchesky
Marshall King Drinkwater Knockaert
Wood Kane
David Nugent is a doubt still with a neck injury and I would be amazed if Nigel Pearson does anything other than send out the same 11 players who started the game against Blackburn on Tuesday night. It was the best performance that the Foxes have put in for some time and the manager will be hoping for a repeat performance tomorrow afternoon. Two loanees may make their debut for Ipswich. Reece Brown is on loan from Manchester United and Frank Nouble, who scored a hat-trick for the U21's this week, is on loan from Wolves.
Prediction: 0-2
Potential line-up:
Schmeichel
De Laet Morgan (c) Keane Konchesky
Marshall King Drinkwater Knockaert
Wood Kane
Stadium Purchase
The
owners of Leicester City Football Club have completed the purchase of the King
Power Stadium in a deal believed to be worth about £17 million. The stadium had
been owned by an American pension fund manager. Aiyawatt
Srivaddhanaprabha, Vice Chairman of Leicester City Football Club, said: “It has
always been part of our long-term vision to put the stadium back where it
belongs, into the hands of the Football Club. Our plan is to bring long-term
sustainable success to Leicester City Football Club. Purchasing the stadium was
always a key element in this plan."
The next task will be to try and get more supporters through the turnstiles in the 32,000 seater stadium. Leicester are in 5th place in the Championship and are having a good season. However, their average gate is only 21,426. East Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest are in 8th place and have an average gate of 22,721 this season. Derby are in 12th position and have managed an average gate of 23,101.
The next task will be to try and get more supporters through the turnstiles in the 32,000 seater stadium. Leicester are in 5th place in the Championship and are having a good season. However, their average gate is only 21,426. East Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest are in 8th place and have an average gate of 22,721 this season. Derby are in 12th position and have managed an average gate of 23,101.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)