Championship side Crystal Palace are the vistors in tomorrow’s third round FA Cup tie at the Walkers Stadium.
The Foxes will be looking to continue the momentum that has so far seen them leap to the top of League One, and at the same time add to the tally of eight home victories in a row.
Palace themselves have been enjoying relative success in the Championship this season, and currently sit 8th in the table, just a solitary point outside of the playoffs.
Vital Quotes:
Leicester manager Nigel Pearson: ‘The weekly pressure of the league and the expectations of us being at the top is something that we can put to one side for a week.
It will be a difficult game. Palace are on a decent run and Neil has got a good track record.
I would expect it to be a very tough game for us, but it is one that we are looking forward to and also one that we will be trying to win.
Just as with any of Neil’s sides, they will be difficult to beat. They will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season.’
Leicester City Team News:
Leicester are sweating on the fitness of top scorer Matty Fryatt, who came off at half-time in Saturday’s win against Hereford.
Centre back Aleksander Tunchev is also a concern, unavailable for last week’s encounter.
However, both should make the tie.
Player to watch: Mark Davies
The livewire midfielder has been in superb form for the Foxes since his loan move from Wolves. Has the ability to get forward and cause real problems.
Crystal Palace Team News:
Palace midfielder Shaun Derry is unavailable through suspension, but the Eagles will have Clint Hill back after serving his ban.
Both Ben Watson and former fox Paddy McCarthy are out throygh injuries.
Player to watch: Victor Moses
The forward has the potential to be a real threat to the Foxes defence with his pace and attacking flair.
Match Facts & Stats
Leicester have not made the the fourth round in three seasons since they reached the quarter finals in 04/05.
Palace haven’t had the best of times in the FA Cup either, knocked out in 17 out of their last 24 3rd round ties.
The Eagles have the edge over Leicester in the competition however, winning two out of their four ties to Leicester’s one.
In league meetings there’s nothing to choose between the teams, both winning 14 out of 40 matches.
Latest Odds
Oddschecker
Leicester 13/8 – Draw 12/5 – Crystal Palace 15/8
Ref Watch:
Mr G Laws
Match Prediction:
Leicester 1-1 Crystal Palace
Next Fixtures:
Leicester – Leyton Orient (H) – 10/01/09
Crystal Palace – Plymouth (A) – 10/01/09
