Leicester head to struggling Sheffield United on Tuesday evening, knowing that victory would take them one step closer to the coveted play-off places.
The Foxes are currently six points off the Championship’s top six, but head to Bramall Lane in useful form after three victories in their last four league fixtures.
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s side dispatched in-form Millwall at the Walkers Stadium last weekend in a strong 4-2 victory, and will look to pile on more misery for the struggling Blades.
Micky Adams sees the return of the side he guided to the Premier League back in 2003 for the first time since masterminding Brighton’s stunning second-half comeback during City’s victorious League One campaign.
Adams has work to do in order to help save the Blades from relegation this campaign, looking for his first win in charge of the struggling Yorkshire outfit.
United have not recorded victory in the Championship since a 1-0 home win over Swansea in mid-December.
But despite a winless run of six matches the Blades find themselves just outside the drop zone, level on points with Crystal Palace.
Their visit to the Walkers Stadium back in November should have taken all three points back to Sheffield, but Steve Howard’s last-minute penalty grabbed Leicester a point after a Mark Yeates brace had overturned Paul Gallagher’s early strike.
Vital Quotes:
Sheffield United manager Micky Adams: ‘When you join a club that’s in the bottom four or five of the division you know it’s going to be hard work but I won’t panic.
‘If we had beaten Norwich I wouldn’t be swinging from the rooftops so we can’t dwell on the loss and lose confidence.’
Leicester midfielder Richie Wellens: ‘They are a big club and, if you look at their players, on paper, there is no way they should be down where they are.
‘I think they are in transition where they have gone from long-ball game and now they want to change. I would have imagined Gary Speed would have wanted them to play football so it is difficult when you change the style of play. We found that out this season.
‘But Micky Adams is a good manager and, although he has a big job on there, they should get out of trouble.’
Sheffield United Team News:
Micky Adams has revealed right-back Stephen Jordan is making progress from injury after coming through unscathed in a behind-closed-doors friendly with Leeds last week.
New signing Michael Doyle is expected to make his debut in midfield after joining from Coventry.
Player to watch: Mark Yeates
A former Fox himself following a loan move to the Walkers back in the 06/07 season, Leicester know all about the Irishman from his brace against the Foxes back in November.
Yeates can cause several problems down either flank for the Blades, but is perhaps more notorious for his deadly free-kicks.
Leicester Team News:
Leicester are still sweating on the fitness of Paul Gallagher, who may miss out with a knee injury.
Chelsea loanee Patrick van Aahnholt looks set to make his Foxes debut at left-back.
New signing Danny Uchechi’s transfer remains subject to Football League approval, but the Nigerian could feature if selected.
Player to watch: Yakubu
Once again. Two in two so far, what more can you ask for? Feed him, watch him score.
Match Facts & Stats
– Sheffield United have won only four of their 13 home matches this season, the third worst total in the division.
– They have also scored just 26 goals, the second worst total.
– The Blades have failed to score on 10 occasions in the Championship this term, the highest figure in the league.
– Leicester’s away record is poor, however, winning only three times on the road this campaign.
– Sol Bamba has three Leicester goals in four matches.
– But the Foxes’ defensive record is dire, having shipped 46 goals so far this season.
Ref Watch:
David Webb (County Durham)
Matches: 12
Yellows: 53
Reds: 3
Match Prediction:
Foxes to put Blades to the sword. Sheffield United 0-2 Leicester.
Next Fixtures:
Saturday 5th February:
Barnsley (H)
