Prediction: Jamie Vardy to score the first goal
Odds:7/2
Bookmaker: Bet365
Claude Puel’s Leicester City host struggling Stoke City at the King Power Stadium in the early Saturday afternoon kick-off this weekend.
The Foxes will be looking to earn their first Premier League victory in over a month, whilst Paul Lambert’s Potters will be aiming to climb out of the relegation zone after only one win in their last eight league clashes.
Leicester City
Despite the East-Midlanders indifferent Premier League form in recent weeks, a redeeming factor has been their progression in the FA Cup. Their last match ended in a 1-0 victory over Championship outfit Sheffield United, meaning Puel’s men reached the quarter-finals of the competition. It was also the team’s first clean in five attempts, this after keeping five consecutive shut-outs in all competitions. The Foxes last Premier League game saw them suffer a 5-1 hammering at the hands of league leaders, Manchester City.
An aspect that should give Leicester confidence however is their positive form on home soil. They have only lost one out of their last seven games at the King Power Stadium and have only suffered four defeats at home all campaign. As a matter of fact, the only side from the bottom-half of the table to come away from Leicester with a win is Crystal Palace. Jamie Vardy could also play a key role on Saturday having scored five goals in his last five games.
Team News
Only Japanese forward Shinji Okazaki will be missing for the Foxes with a knee injury. Skipper Wes Morgan came through his return against Sheffield United unscathed and will be able to be called upon.
Stoke City
Despite an initial bounce under new boss Paul Lambert, Stoke continue to struggle in the Premier League. The Potters are currently marooned in the drop zone in 19th position on 25 points from 27 games. They also possess the worst defence in the entirety of the top-flight of English football having conceded 53 goals. There is a solace however for Lambert’s men; they are only three points behind 13-placed Newcastle United.
Their league form is certainly going to have to improve if they are to have any chance of remaining in the Premier League. The Potters have earned only two victories within their last 12 league games and have only scored nine goals in that time. Their away form is even worse in comparison. Lambert’s men have only managed to take six points away from the Bet365 Stadium all season – the lowest total in the Premier League. As a matter of fact, they have only scored four goals within their last seven league games away from home.
Team News
Defender Bruno Martins Indi could potentially make his return from injury at the King Power Stadium. However, the likes of Peter Crouch and Stephen Ireland will not be ready to appear due to an ankle and calf injury respectively.
Key Facts To Consider
- The two teams have an identical record in this fixture (W 33, D 34, L 33)
- Stoke have only won one out of their last nine league games against Leicester
- There have been on average 3.4 goals scored between the two sides within the last five games
- The two sides drew 2-2 in the reverse game at the Bet365 Stadium
- Jamie Vardy has scored five goals in his last five games
Conclusion
Leicester City’s home form should power them over the line against the Potters. Paul Lambert’s side head to the King Power in poor form, especially away from home. Their inability to find the net should be another factor against the visitors having only won one game away from home this season.
This then, opens the door for Leicester City to collect the victory. Their cause is much-helped with the presence of Jamie Vardy who could potentially be an excellent bet to open the scoring at the King Power Stadium.
Prediction: Jamie Vardy to score the first goal
Odds:7/2
Bookmaker: Bet365
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