Leicester look to stretch their impressive home record when they bid to overturn in-form Millwall at the Walkers Stadium.
The Foxes travelled to the Den under a month ago and were comfortably beaten despite a man advantage in the second-half, but a nine-match unbeaten home record under Sven-Goran Eriksson sees the Foxes head in as slim favourites.
The Foxes were knocked out of the FA Cup on Tuesday by big-spending Manchester City, but emerged from the tie with their reputations enhanced after another credible showing against the Premier League side.
But tomorrow sees Eriksson’s side facing up against a Millwall side unbeaten in nine and having won three of their last four Championship fixtures.
The Lions find themselves just three points of a play-off place after their impressive run, and will inevitably prove stern opponents for City despite their strong run at the Walkers.
Millwall are hoping to complete a first league double over the Foxes in over 20 years, but have won just three matches on the road this campaign. All came against sides in the relegation zone at the time.
Victory for Leicester would draw them level on points with Kenny Jackett’s achieving side, and would provide a timely boost to their play-off hopes after conceding late at Deepdale last weekend to surrender all three points.
Eriksson’s side head into the match unbeaten in their last three, avoiding defeat since the lowly defeat at the Den back in late December.
Vital Quotes:
Leicester midfielder Andy King: “Like a lot of teams in this league if you put a good run of results together then you can climb the table and they’re doing exactly that. The players they have are good, they are showing that and that’s why they’re doing well in the league at the moment.
“I think you can pretty much guess what the game is going to be like. They get in your face but they’ve got good players who can play as well, and they showed that down there. But, we’re confident in ourselves and if we play the football we can do – some of the stuff we’ve played in the last few games, then we’re expecting to win this game.”
Millwall manager Kenny Jackett: “They’ve got a very good home record and are spending a lot of money. I just think it is a fantastic game for us.
“I’ve always loved going to Leicester because it is such a big club and this is the type of game we are in the Championship for.”
Leicester Team News:
Leicester will not be with the services of Paul Gallagher, who limped off at Eastlands in the week.
But the Foxes should have Darius Vassell available again following a hamstring strain.
Player to watch: Yakubu
Feed him. Watch him score.
Millwall Team News:
New signing Darren Purse could slot into the centre of defence, while fellow new boy Jens Berthel Askou, on loan from Norwich, could also start at the back for the Lions.
Kenny Jackett has something of a defensive crisis on his hands, with Dan Shittu, Tony Craig, Darren Ward and Paul Robinson all sidelined.
Player to watch: Steve Morison
Bagged Millwall’s opener against the Foxes at the Den last month, and will be keen to add to the ten league goals he already has for the season.
The striker has adjusted to life in East London well since his switch from Stevenage back in 2009, and looks set to put pen to paper on a new deal for his efforts.
Match Facts & Stats
– In the nine post-millenium meetings between the two sides, Leicester have four wins, Millwall three with three draws. Tight.
– Leicester have had the most efforts on goal in the Championship this season.
– They have also conceded the most first-half goals in the division.
– Millwall have drawn their last four away matches.
– The Lions have the third tightest defence in the league, having shipped only 24 goals this campaign.
– And in contrast to Leicester, they have the Championship’s best first-half record.
Ref Watch:
E L Ilderton (Tyne & Wear)
Matches: 14
Yellows: 34
Reds: 4
Match Prediction:
Foxes to tame the Lions. Leicester 1-0 Millwall.
Next Fixtures:
Tuesday 1st February:
Sheffield United (A)
