Preview: Southend vs Leicester

Leicester would guarantee both promotion back to the Championship and the League One title with a win at Roots Hall tomorrow.

However, should Peterborough drop points at home to Stockport, regardless of the result for Nigel Pearson’s men Leicester would be crowned champions.

In Southend they face a team very much on the up after winning 12 of their last 16 in their ambitious push for a playoff position.

Matty Fryatt’s hat-trick was enough for Leicester to demolish the Shrimpers at the Walkers earlier in the season, and Pearson will be hoping for more of the same.

Vital Quotes:

Southend manager Steve Tilson: ‘You don’t want another team to be on your ground dancing around and celebrating success because it hurts. So we want to spoil their party this weekend and it’s a really big game because they obviously have plenty to play for and I still think we do as well so it’s going to be very exciting’.

Leicester assistant Craig Shakespeare: ‘It will be a really difficult game but it should be an open and attacking game and one that the lads can look forward to. Their body language in training was excellent, there were smiles on faces.

It’s not done, there are three games left. Until there’s a ‘P’ next to our name no-one can guarantee it. They’re a very professional bunch and will want to see the job through.’

Southend United Team News:

Anthony Grant returns after sitting out Monday’s 3-2 win against Northampton Town with a knee injury.

However, his place in the side may be threatened by Jean-Francois Christophe, after scoring in the win.

Player to watch: Lee Barnard

The former Tottenham trainee is the Shrimpers’ top goalscorer for the season with 10 in the league so far.

Leicester City Team News:

There are no fresh injury worries for Nigel Pearson, so the team which beat Leeds on Monday is likely to be repeated.

Player to watch: Lloyd Dyer

The winger has put in two impressive performances over the Easter period after a questionable few months of form, and the Leicester fans will be hoping for more of the same from him. If he shows the qualities he did on Monday, Simon Francis will be quaking in his boots.

Match Facts & Stats

Top Goalscorers:

Southend: Lee Barnard (10)

b>Leicester: Matty Fryatt (29)

Goals scored:

Southend: 55

Leicester: 77

Goals conceded:

Southend: 58

Leicester: 37

www.oddschecker.com

Southend 11/5

Draw 5/2

Leicester 11/8

Match Prediction:

Southend 0-1 Leicester

Next Fixtures:

Southend: – 25/04/09 – Oldham (A)

Leicester: 24/04/09 – Scunthorpe (H)