Prediction: Leeds vs Leicester

Prediction: Leicester win

Best Odds: 17/10

Bookmaker: 888sport

In the aftermath of yesterday’s announcement, football fans took some comfort in knowing that Premier League football will be permitted to continue despite the impending national lockdown that comes into force on Thursday. The beautiful game is able to distract us all from the trials and tribulations that everyday life brings, and on Monday Night Football, we could be in for an absolute cracker as Leeds United prepare to host Leicester City at Elland Road.

Leeds

The threat of relegation straight back down to the Championship may not be entirely gone, but after just a few weeks of the new season getting underway, Leeds are already looking like a team that could surprise an awful lot of people. They’ve got an intriguing squad, they have a fascinating manager, and most importantly they have no fear. They don’t have all too much to lose as a newly promoted side and we’re seeing the evidence of that every single time they play.

Team News

Cooper should be back to full fitness in time for this one, but outside of that, there are a few injury problems for Leeds to deal with as Phillips, Llorente and Berardi have all been ruled out.

Leicester

The art of juggling European football with domestic football is something that not every club can master, but so far, Leicester City are doing a pretty good job of it. Brendan Rodgers has come under fire in the past for a variety of reasons in the past but he’s finally settled into a role that seems to suit him perfectly. They’ve started well in the Premier League and based on their wins over Zorya and AEK Athens, they could do some damage in the Europa League too.

Team News

Jonny Evans will face a late fitness test to determine whether or not he can play whereas Castagne, Ndidi, Pereira, Amartey and Soyuncu are all on the shelf for the visitors.

Factors to Consider

• Since they last met in the top flight in 2004, Leeds & Leicester have played each other in the Championship, League One and the League Cup.
• Leeds have won three, drawn two and lost one of their last six games.
• Leicester have won four and lost two of their last six games.
• Leeds have scored 10 goals and conceded six in their last six games.
• Leicester have scored 11 goals and conceded seven in their last six games.

Conclusion

This has the potential to be one of the most exciting games of the season so far, and while we may be slightly over-optimistic, we’re backing it to be just that. Leeds have that Bielsa style that is going to bode well for them throughout the course of the campaign whereas Leicester have already proven that they can put just about anyone to the sword. In terms of an official prediction, we’re going to say a 3-2 win for the Foxes will lead them back into the top four.

Prediction: Leicester win

Best Odds: 17/10

Bookmaker: 888sport