After only picking up one point in the last three games Leicester will be looking to take something back with them when they face Derby County at Pride Park tomorrow. A recent run of good results had seen Leicester climb towards the top half of the table. However, two defeats against Sheffield Wednesday and Preston and a draw at home to Plymouth have seen Leicester fall to 17th place in the league.
Derby on the other hand are currently in good form and are unbeaten in their last 5 league games. They are sitting comfortably in the Play Off zone and George Burley will be looking for his team to carry on their good run and pick up all three points.
Vital Quotes:
Derby County Team News:
Paul Peschisolido`s comeback has been delayed due to him struggling to get over a thigh injury. However, the arrival of David Jones from Manchester United on loan will help bolster the Derby squad.
Player to watch: Jon Stead
Jon Stead couldn`t buy a goal at Sunderland and only managed to put the ball in the back of the net twice in 22 league games. However, he seems to have rediscovered his form at Derby and has scored 2 in his last 2 league games.
Leicester players will need to make sure that they keep an eye on the young striker, as any chances he is given will only boost his confidence.
Leicester City Team News:
Both Gareth Williams and James Wesoloski played in a game behind closed doors on Tuesday, but the game tomorrow is still too soon for the two midfielders. This will mean that once again Leicester will have to put together a make shift centre midfield.
On a positive note Leicester fans will be happy to have their captain available again. Paddy McCarthy is available after serving his one match ban.
Player to watch: Matty Fryatt
Matty Fryatt has been struggling for form and fitness since coming back from his injury and City fans will be hoping that he can start to link up with Ian Hume to the same effect as the end of last season.
Match Facts & Stats
Derby County seem to have the advantage over Leicester in league meetings having won 39 games, with Leicester only having won 24. However the last couple of seasons have seen Leicester do well at Pride Park. In fact the last time Leicester lost to Derby away was back in the 2000/01 season, when both teams were still in the Premiership.
Last seasons game saw two goals in the last five minutes to leave the game at 1-1. Ian Hume had put Leicester in front with only 5 minutes to go but in the last minute Mounir El Hamdaoui scored the Derby equaliser.
Most Leicester fans will argue that the most important game between the two sides was the 1996 Play Off Final when Leicester beat Derby 2-1 to go into the Premiership. If Leicester do find themselves struggling tomorrow the home fans can expect a chorus of ‘did you cry at Wembley?` from the away supporters, even if was over 10 years ago.
not to be …derby too strong and take the points………