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?!"
A fan's view on Leicester City
Wednesday, 26 December 2012
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.
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.
Monday, 24 December 2012
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.
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.
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.
Friday, 21 December 2012
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.
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.
Saturday, 15 December 2012
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.
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.
Friday, 14 December 2012
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.
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.
Saturday, 8 December 2012
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.
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.
Sunday, 2 December 2012
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
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