Prediction: Correct score 1-1
Odds: 13/2
Bookmaker: William Hill
After a dramatic deadline day, Claude Puel’s Leicester City will aim to focus on the visit of Swansea City to the King Power Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Mercurial winger Riyad Mahrez has been the player on everyone’s lips as his deadline day swap to Manchester City fell through. Swansea meanwhile had a relatively positive window and will aim to build on their eye-catching 3-1 victory over Arsenal last time out.
Leicester City
Whilst Claude Puel has so far had an excellent impact on the fortunes of Leicester City, the Frenchman must have found the past few weeks extremely testing. Star man Riyad Mahrez reportedly handed in a transfer request after being the subject of three bids from Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. It was clear that the Foxes were distracted in their clash against Everton on Wednesday evening; they fell to a 2-1 defeat to Sam Allardyce’s Everton which now puts them eighth in the Premier League table.
Despite the loss, the East-Midlanders are still in relatively good form having only lost one out of their last seven in all competitions. They have also managed to keep a clean sheet in five of those seven clashes. If they are to earn a result against the Swans, their home form will surely be key. The Foxes have won their last two games against Huddersfield Town and Watford. The team have not managed to win three consecutive games at the King Power Stadium since May 2017.
The absence of Mahrez is surely set to be felt again. The Foxes have not won a Premier League game in which the Algerian has not featured since a 2-1 success against Norwich City back in October 2015.
Team News
Puel only has one injury concerning him for the visit of the Swans with captain Wes Morgan ruled out with a hamstring strain. Mahrez will not feature after the deadline day drama and is set to be replaced by Demarai Gray again. The Foxes squad has decreased considerably during the transfer window following the loan exits of Islam Slimani, Leonardo Ulloa, Andy King and Ahmed Musa.
Swansea City
Whilst the Welsh outfit remain in the Premier League relegation zone, the impact of new boss Carlos Carvalhal has been impressive. The Swans have now gone six without defeat in all competitions since he arrived at the Liberty Stadium. If they avoid defeat at the King Power Stadium, it will be the first time that they have gone seven undefeated in five years. They will however need to rectify their away form if they are to overcome the reigning Premier League champions. The Swans have only one league clash away from the Liberty Stadium in their last 11 games.
One other problem that appears to have plagued the team so far this season is their ability to score. The joint-lowest scorers in the Premier League, there is no wonder that they are languishing in the relegation zone. However, victories over Liverpool and Arsenal have given fans reason to be optimistic.
Team News
New signing Andy King will not be eligible to make his debut at the weekend as he cannot play against his former club. Renato Sanches will also not make an appearance through injury. Roque Mesa has joined Sevilla on-loan so will not be eligible either. Andre Ayew however could make his second debut for the club after re-joining from West Ham United.
Key Facts To Consider
- Leicester have the better all-time record between the two (W19, D8, L11)
- The Swans have not won an away game against Leicester in 68 years
- Leicester have scored 13 goals in their last six matches against Swansea
- Alfie Mawson has scored in the last two games against the Foxes
- The Foxes have not won a game without Riyad Mahrez since 2015.
Conclusion
It should be a hard-fought battle at the weekend between the two teams. The visitors head to the King Power Stadium in promising form and will be aiming to lift themselves out of the relegation zone. The Foxes will find it tough against the resurgent Swans, especially without the talismanic Riyad Mahrez.
As long as Swansea attack with purpose, they could potentially find a way past the Leicester defence. The Foxes however should provide considerable threat through the likes of Jamie Vardy, Kelechi Iheanacho, Marc Albrighton and Demarai Gray. Vardy may well be one of the favourites to get on the scoresheet.
Prediction: Correct score 1-1
Odds: 13/2
Bookmaker: William Hill
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