Phrases such as "now we can concentrate on the league" and "we don't need the distraction of the FA Cup" are excuses trotted out by many a football supporter after a defeat in the world's most prestigious Cup competition. In Leicester City's case today, they were being used before kick off at the Britannia Stadium. That didn't deter over 4000 Leicester supporters from making the short journey to Stoke, even though they knew that manager Nigel Pearson was likely to field a weakened side. Morgan, Moore, Dyer, Drinkwater and Nugent were all left out of the starting line-up - a clear indication as to where City's priorities lie this season. However, a front three with the pace of Vardy, Schlupp and Knockaert offered some cause for optimism, particularly with Knockaert playing in behind the front two, a role that many City fans feel could be his best position.
Leicester fell behind in just the 16th minute, Kenwyne Jones heading home Assaidi's cross. Uncharacteristically, Leicester failed to create any meaningful opportunities during the first half. Had progression in this competition been a priority, Nigel Pearson would probably have changed some personnel at half-time. He didn't and ten minutes after the break, Charlie Adam was given too much room and fired a left footed shot home from 25 yards to double the hosts' advantage. Dyer and Nugent did enter the fray in the 68th minute and made a positive impact, Nugent heading in Wasilewski's cross in the 77th minute. An equaliser and subsequent replay looked a real possibility at that stage. The fact that it didn't materialise may well be a blessing in disguise for the Foxes and their push for automatic promotion.
Next up is the visit of East Midlands rivals and fellow promotion candidates Derby County in front of the Sky cameras on Friday night. Most City fans will recognise that game as far more important than today's. Dispatch Derby County and today's result will be a distant memory. Don't be surprised if there is movement in the transfer market during the next week, with 40 year old striker Kevin Phillips rumoured to be on the verge of joining Leicester. Meanwhile Zak Whitbread's loan at Derby has been extended until the end of the season and midfielder Neil Danns has re-joined Bolton until the summer, at which point his contract with Leicester City will have expired. Danns, signed by Sven Goran-Eriksson, was one of the club's highest earners. His departure not only helps the club to meet the demands of Financial Fair Play but may also pave the way for new arrivals at the King Power Stadium.
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