Prediction: Leicester vs Aston Villa

Prediction: Leicester win

Best Odds: 1/3

Bookmaker: bet365

There are so many competitions for all of us to deal with across the next few months – which certainly seems and feels like a first world problem. This week it’s the turn of the Carabao Cup to come into the limelight as four teams battle in the first leg of two semi-finals, as they attempt to take a big step towards the final at Wembley. Today, we’ll be taking a look at what should be an intriguing encounter between Leicester City and Aston Villa in an East Midlands vs West Midlands showdown.

Leicester

Leicester have finally managed to break their quarter-final curse, and now, they can see the light at the end of the tunnel as they go in search of their first piece of silverware under Brendan Rodgers. They’re certainly going to be the favourites to get the win in this one, but they need to try and ensure they come flying out of the gate as opposed to being conservative. If they take the lead they need to put their foot down and really assert themselves as the more dominant side.

Team News

Benkovic, Morgan and James have all been ruled out with Vardy being set to return following a calf problem – with some questioning whether Ward or Schmeichel will feature in goal.

Aston Villa

Dean Smith is doing everything within his power to try and turn the fortunes of this Villa team around, but their many, many injuries have seriously harmed their ability to get any sort of real traction in the Premier League this season. They’re still capable of playing some decent stuff and that’s especially true at home, but when they’re away, they need to start digging in and trying to grind out points. In this game, limiting the damage that Leicester will undoubtedly inflict will be key.

Team News

Mings could feature after returning from injury whereas Steer, Heaton, Wesley, Targett, McGinn and Davis are all still out in what is turning out to be an injury crisis for Villa.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting earlier in December, Leicester beat Aston Villa 4-1.
• Leicester have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six games.
• Aston Villa have won three and lost three of their last six games.
• Leicester have scored 10 goals and conceded 10 in their last six games.
• Aston Villa have scored 10 goals and conceded nine in their last six games.

Conclusion

Aston Villa just don’t have enough in the tank to overcome Leicester at the King Power and that much just feels kind of obvious. The Foxes will play liquid football and given Villa’s many injury worries, there’s a decent chance they could play them off of the park. The important thing for Villa is going to be limiting the impact that Leicester have, taking a narrow enough lead back to Villa Park for the second leg that they’ll attempt to overturn. Leicester will win, and we think they’ll win 2-0.

Prediction: Leicester win

Best Odds: 1/3

Bookmaker: bet365