Leicester travel to Plymouth Argyle tomorrow aiming to break a nine-match winless run at Home Park.
The Foxes have found life tough at Argyle in recent seasons, but Nigel Pearson’s side will head into the match confident after a five-game unbeaten streak in the Championship.
Paul Mariner’s Plymouth are in a precarious position in the league, currently staring relegation in the face as they lie deep in the drop zone in 23rd place.
With sides above them now picking up points, a future next season in League One is edging nearer for the Pilgrims, who were also beaten by the Foxes at the Walkers Stadium earlier in the season.
Plymouth salvaged a late point against Swansea midweek, as Damien Johnson’s 87th minute equaliser sent Argyle home with a share of the spoils.
There was also late drama at Ashton Gate, where Nigel Pearson’s Foxes grabbed a last-gasp point themselves despite opponents Bristol City scoring in added time.
Andy King’s 90th minute winner proved decisive at the Walkers back in November when Leicester took all three points, and Pearson will be hoping his side can take advantage of struggling Plymouth and keep their play-off hopes firmly alive.
Vital Quotes:
Leicester manager Nigel Pearson: ‘When the team is playing well it is quite nice to be able to stick with the same line-up. It’s up to the players that are currently in the side to stay there. We’ve got competition for places in most positions at the moment and that’s obviously healthy.’
Plymouth Argyle Team News:
Defender Reda Johnson has recently been struggling with foot and hip injuries, and will be assessed prior to the game.
David McNamee is ruled out with a groin injury, but Argyle welcome back Alan from illness and Craig Noone following his knee injury.
Player to watch: Jamie Mackie
The Scot has been one of the rare lights in Plymouth’s season so far, attracting the attention of bigger clubs along the way.
The 24-year-old forward has found the net six times for struggling Argyle this campaign, and remains the one to watch for City tomorrow.
Leicester City Team News:
Leicester have no fresh injury concerns, as manager Nigel Pearson looks set to name an unchanged sarting lineup for the third match in a row.
Player to watch: Lloyd Dyer
Two goals in four games has put Dyer back on the map for Leicester, after a largely disappointing first half of the season.
Dyer has always struggled for consistency since joining the club on a free transfer from MK Dons, but remains a threat when employed in a more forward role that City’s new-look 4-3-3 formation allows.
The left winger certainly has a point to prove with Dany N’Guessan breathing down his neck for a starting place.
Match Facts & Stats
– A win tomorrow would see Leicester achieve the double over Plymouth for the first time in 54 years.
– Argyle are just two short of conceding 5,000 league goals.
– Plymouth have suffered more home defeats (8) than any other club in the Championship this season.
– They are, however, nine home matches unbeaten against the Foxes.
Match Prediction:
I would be disappointed if we didn’t take the points home here. Plymouth 0-1 Leicester. A dull, scrappy affair is on the cards.
Next Fixtures:
Tuesday 23rd February
Leicester: Doncaster (A)
Saturday 27th February
Plymouth: Sheffield United (A)
Leicester: Nottingham Forest (H)
