On Sky
Live on Sky Sports One
Leicester go into tomorrow’s crucial tie at West Brom hoping to shake off the demons of the form-table to claim a positive result from a daunting trip to the Hawthorns.
The Foxes have lost their last three matches in the Championship, losing vital points in the race for the play-offs along the way.
Standing in their way tomorrow are West Brom, a side harborouing strong promotion hopes of their own. The Baggies currently occupy a comfortable position in the league, nine points clear of third placed Nottingham Forest.
A win tomorrow in Roberto Di Matteo’s 100th game in management would push the notorious yo-yo side back to within touching distance of the Premier League, a division they would wish to stay in for more than a season this time around.
Leicester are desperate for a change in fortunes after suffering in their last four matches, the midweek defeat at fellow play-off hopefuls Cardiff capping off a disappointing fortnight for Nigel Pearson’s men.
Late goals suffered against Coventry and Derby followed by a calamitous goal at Derby could prove fatal for City in their play-off battle. To add to their spell of misfortune a goal was denied by the officials on Tuesday evening despite the ball crossing the line.
And with Blackpool and the chasing pack snapping at the heels of the Foxes, Leicester need points more than ever to add to the precarious four point cushion they hold over their rivals below.
City’s last visit to the Hawthorns in the dismal relegation of 07/08 went spectacularly against the script, a Steve Howard hat-trick sinking the Baggies in a 4-1 win for the Foxes.
Vital Quotes:
West Bromwich Albion Team News:
West Brom could welcome striker Roman Bednar back after missing the last four matches with a thigh injury.
Chris Brunt, Marek Cech and Robert Koren have also overcome injuries to put themselves in contention for the match.
Player to watch: Chris Brunt
The midfielder plucked from Sheffield Wednesday back in 2007 is without question one of the most gifted players the Championship has to offer.
Alongside the creative Robert Koren and Graeme Dorrans, Brunt offers a powerful attacking outlet for Di Matteo’s men, with spectacular goals (against City) seemingly commonplace.
In a midfield pakced full of quality, Brunt remains our one to watch.
Leicester City Team News:
Leicester are praying on the fitness of left back Bruno Berner, the Swiss’s untimely injury fitting with the Foxes’ recent winless run of four matches.
James Vaughan is also battling for a starting place after overcoming injury to play his part in Tuesday’s defeat at Cardiff.
Player to watch: Bruno Berner
If fit, Leicester’s chances in this game rise significantly. His replacements in the shaky Ryan McGivern and Robbie Neilson do little to calm the nerves.
Since joining on a free transfer from Blackburn the left back has been a revelation, his tough tackling and runs forward making him a firm fans’ favourite at the Walkers.
Match Facts & Stats
– West Brom have notched up seven consecutive home victories.
– Another win would be their best home run since the 1948/9 season when they won 10 in a row.
– in 94 meetings between these two sides there have only been three goalless draws.
– The Baggies boast the division’s best attack, with a fearsome 78 goals in 40 matches this campaign.
– No club has done the double over Leicester this season. Yet.
Match Prediction:
It’s difficult to be optimistic right now, but we still have undoubted quality in the side. That said, I can’t see past defeat here. West Brom 2-0 Leicester.
Next Fixtures:
Monday 5th April:
West Brom: Watford (A)
Leicester: QPR (H)
