Leicester will be looking to continue their good start to the Championship campaign when they travel to Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane tomorrow envening.
The Foxes have taken four points from their opening two games, following an opening day win against Swansea and a hard-earned point at Ipswich on Saturday.
The Blades themselves have also made a steady start, most recently with their 2-0 win against Watford at the weekend. Most impressively, they have failed to concede thus far, a situation City will be hoping to reverse tomorrow evening.
The last time the two sides met at Bramall Lane was in Leicester’s dismal relegation season, a quickfire seven minute James Beattie hat-trick giving United a more than comfortable 3-0 victory on the day.
The encounter should prove to be much closer this time around, with a Leicester side who have significantly improved in all areas in two years. With Beattie now at Stoke, the Blades will be looking to the services of summer signing Ched Evans, on a high after a goal on his home debut at the weekend.
Vital Quotes:
Sheffield United Team News:
Midfielder Lee Williamson remains sidelined with a back injury for the Blades.
Gary Speed and Gary Naysmith are also out through injury, while goalkeeper Paddy Kenny remains suspended.
Former-Leicester loanee Lee Hendrie remains suspended for the tie, after picking up a four match ban in Sheffield United’s play-off final defeat to Burnley last season.
Player to watch: Ched Evans
The striker signed from Manchester City in the summer has much to live up to with his sizeable £3m price tag.
After finding first team appearances limited at Eastlands following the colossal summer spending of Mark Hughes, Evans moved to Bramall Lane and will no doubt be out to prove that he can cut his teeth at a higher level.
Leicester City Team News:
Leicester are sweating on the fitness of last season’s top-goalscorer Matty Fryatt, who was hauled off in Saturday’s draw with Ipswich with an ankle injury. Should Fryatt miss the tie, City have a ready-made replacement in Martyn Waghorn.
Meanwhile, Andy King and Nicky Adams continue to push for first-team starts in the midfield.
Player to watch: Wayne Brown
Earlier we ran an article heaping the praises of the big centre back, and Brown will be vital in preventing a repeat of the crushing defeat dealt out last time the Foxes visited Bramall Lane.
A huge presence at the heart of the back four for Nigel Pearson, his experience and solidity are important for City.
Match Facts & Stats
– Worryingly, Sheffield United have won their last four home encounters with City, by three goals in the most recent two.
– The Blades are also unbeaten in eight matches at Bramall Lane, their last defeat coming at the hands of arch rivals Sheffield Wednesday.
– Similarly, City are unbeaten in eight league matches home and away, setting up a tasty encounter tomorrow evening.
Ref Watch:
N Miller
Match Prediction:
I can see a struggle to break each other down, resulting in a gritty and unspectacular draw.
Sheffield United 0-0 Leicester
Next Fixtures:
Sheffield United: Reading (A) – 22/08/09
Leicester: Barnsley (H) – 22/08/09
An easy three points on Saturday. Might as well not turn up.