Preston North End are the visitors to the Walkers Stadium tomorrow afternoon, as Leicester seek the opportunity to make up for last weekend’s collapse at the hands of Watford.
Preston arrive tomorrow on the back of a superb opening to the league campaign, currently occupying 4th place in the Championship. However, their away form has been patchy to say the least thus far, and Nigel Pearson will be hoping his side can dent the record further.
The two sides have already met once this season in the Carling Cup, with Preston emerging 2-1 winners at Deepdale.
It would be fair to say that the Lilywhites have not been City’s most favourable opposition over the past few seasons, with Leicester recording just the sole victory over tomorrow’s opponents in their last ten encounters.
Vital Quotes:
Leicester manager Nigel Pearson: ‘We know they are a good side and have a lot of experience at this level but like I said, it is an opportunity to get out there and put on another good performance. I am sure it will be a good game because we are two similar sides in many ways and I am sure it will be very competitive.’
Leicester City Team News:
Leicester are sweating on the fitness of Richie Wellens, after the central midfielder limped off in last weekend’s draw at Watford. Wellens has been deemed doubtful for the clash after a week off the training pitch.
Player to watch: Andy King
With Wellens most likely sidelined, the young Welsh Under-21 international gets his chance to shine after a superb season in League One last year. First team appearances have been extremely limited for the midfielder thus far thanks to the excellent form of Wellens, so King must take his opportunity strongly under the watchful gaze of Pearson.
Preston North End Team News:
Defender Michael Hart has been passed fit by manager Alan Irvine after a knock in Preston’s midweek demolition at the hands of Spurs.
Former-Fox Callum Davidson, however, has been ruled out of the tie along with Paul Parry.
Player to watch: Chris Brown
The striker proved too much for City’s backline to handle at Deepdale earlier in the season, with two goals to hand North End the win on the night. Brown showed his abilties in the air are a force to be contended with, and the striker will be looking to find weaknesses in Leicester’s suspiciously generous defence of late.
Match Facts & Stats
– Leicester currently possess English football’s longest unbeaten home run, which currently stretches just past the one year mark.
– However, the Foxes have only beaten Preston once in seven home matches, with that result coming in 2003.
– Preston are part of a select group of three who have scored in every Championship match so far this season.
– They have also scored the second most goals (15), only bettered by Newcastle (20).
Match Prediction:
History suggests a close match. Unfortunately I envisage the visitors coming out on top on this occassion. Leicester 0-1 Preston
Next Fixtures:
29/09/09
Leicester: Middlesbrough (A)
Preston: Reading (H)
