Leicester continue their run of in-form opponents when high-flying Swansea visit the Walkers Stadium on Monday.
The Swans currently occupy second spot in the Championship following back-to-back victories, most recently seeing off the threat of Reading on New Year’s Day.
Meanwhile Leicester recorded their first away win in five matches on the same day with an impressive victory at Hull.
For visitors Swansea it has been home form which has proved integral to their success so far, taking a joint-best 27 points from their fixtures at the Liberty Stadium.
More comforting for Leicester they have lost their last two matches on the road, including a hefty 4-0 defeat at league leaders QPR.
The Swans have enjoyed a fine campaign under Brendan Rodgers since losing Paulo Sousa to the Foxes in the summer, and look good value for at least a play-off spot in the Championship.
But they come up against a Leicester side who have not lost a home match under Sven-Goran Eriksson since the Swede’s arrival.
City’s home form has somewhat cancelled out a dreary away record, and the Foxes will be keen to build on their good showing at Hull to continue their push for the play-offs.
Swansea have not beaten Leicester on their own patch for over 60 years, but head into the match attempting to take City’s scalp for the second time this season after their 2-0 win at the Liberty Stadium in October.
Vital Quotes:
Leicester manager Sven-Goran Eriksson: ‘Darius was brilliant and his finish was first-class. I am very happy with how he played and how the team played as we were the better side, but obviously it was very disappointing for Greg and our thoughts are with him now.
‘We look forward to Monday and to facing a good Swansea side. I am sure that the supporters will come out in their numbers again and I thank those that came to Hull today, they were magnificent.’
Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers: ‘Our job now is to chase the club (QPR) in front of us. We don’t want to be second, we want to be first.
‘The race is still on to get to the very top, but there’s a long journey ahead of us and we must remain focused.
‘We’ve tried on two or three occasions to get into second spot, but we’ve faltered each time, so it’s nice to finally get there. It’s great for the players, the club and the city.’
Leicester Team News:
Leicester welcome new signing Ben Mee into the squad after his loan move from Manchester City.
Fellow new signing Sol Bamba is awaiting international clearance following his move from Hibernian.
Greg Cunningham suffered a broken leg during the Hull clash yesterday, with both Bruno Berner and Mee looking to fill the void.
Player to watch: Darius Vassell
The former England striker proved his worth with a fine goal at the KC Stadium, and is once again out to prove Eriksson of his value down the middle.
The Swede has favoured a bigger man to lead the attack for the Foxes since taking over the reins, but Vassell’s two strikes for the club have both arrived in the absence of Steve Howard and Roman Bednar.
Swansea Team News:
Swansea are still without skipper Alan Tate following his red card in the QPR defeat.
Former City target Andrea Orlandi and Neil Taylor both look set to miss out with thigh and ankle injuries respectively.
Player to watch: Nathan Dyer
The tricky winger has been an ever-present for the Swans so far this season, and has proved his danger to Championship full-backs everywhere in recent seasons.
Quick, skilful and direct, Dyer could cause City problems together with goal-scoring midfielder Scott Sinclair.
Match Facts & Stats
– Leicester have won half of their home matches this season (6).
– But they have conceded the first goal in a match 14 times this campaign.
– Swansea are enjoying their best league position for 27 years.
– And the Swans are looking to equal their beginning to 2009 with three straight victories.
– Defender Ashley Williams is set for his 300th career start.
Ref Watch:
Darren Deadman (Cambridgeshire)
Matches: 5
Yellows: 22
Reds:0
Match Prediction:
61 years please. Leicester 1-1 Swansea.
Next Fixtures:
Sunday 9th January:
Manchester City (H)
FA Cup
