Leeds United vs Leicester City
The Whites are going for two Premier League victories in a row when they’ll host the Foxes this Sunday at Elland Road.
Leeds United’s second season in English top-flight has been shaky thus far given their mixed Premier League 2021 results. But they must pick themselves up fast as they aim to continue to move up in the standings.
Following their priceless victory over Norwich in the last time out, Marcelo Bielsa’s men are 17th at the table with 10 points and they can go to as high as the 12th spot. And the threat of being dropped to the relegation zone again is something that they would want to avoid.
Like Leeds, Leicester City are also having a subpar campaign following their impressive performance last season. Usually they are always around fourth to sixth, but Brendan Rodger’s side now is at 11th place with 14 points.
Goals have been the main theme whenever these two sides meet and football fans shouldn’t expect anything different this weekend.
The SBOTOP pre-match betting odds have Leicester City as the favourites to win. However, you can never count out a club like Leeds United.
Talking Points
Leeds United need more wins
Leeds’ second season back in top-flight was littered with draws and losses primarily due to injuries. However, their persistence has paid off as the finally got into the win column with wins over Watford and Norwich.
Injuries to their stars has been the main theme for Marcelo Bielsa and he’ll face the same conundrum once more this weekend.
Top striker Patrick Bamford is still on the mend and they’re clearly missing his goal output. Defenders Luke Ayling and Robin Koch are still recovering from their respective surgeries last month, so we would be surprised if they are available.
Jamie Shackleton picked up a knock in last weekend’s win over Norwich and his availability remains in doubt.
Rodrigo and Raphinha have been shouldering the load for the Whites with six goals between them and they would need to be at their absolute best in front of goal.
Fortunately for them, Leicester City are dealing with injury woes as well, especially at the back and midfield – which opens an avenue that they can exploit.
No rest for the weary Leicester City
The Foxes have had a lacklustre start to their 2021/22 campaign. However, they’ve been better these past few weeks despite their injury problems as they’ve only lost once in their last five.
They were able to dismantle Manchester United with a 4-2 scoreline not too long ago. However, their 2-0 defeat to Arsenal has halted their momentum.
Like Leeds, Leicester City have been bit hard by the injury bug and Rodgers will have to reshuffle his rotation following their 1-1 draw against Spartak Moscow in the Europa League.
Ricardo Pereira, Marc Albrighton, Wesley Fofana have been sidelined due to injuries while James Maddison, Harvey Barnes, Jannik Vestergaard, and Ayoze Perez have had non-COVID related illnesses.
With the aforementioned doubtful to play, Patson Daka and Kelechi Iheanacho are tasked to provide the goals. Meanwhile, enforcer Wilfred Ndidi is expected to return after recovering from a hamstring injury.
History
Prior to this Sunday, Leeds United and Leicester City have faced off 125 times in all competitions.
When Leicester City got promoted to the Premier League, however, there have been fewer encounters between both sides in recent years.
In their set of English top-flight meetings last term, the Whites and the Foxes have claimed one win each.
In November 2020 at Elland Road, Harvey Barnes gave Leicester City the lead for good en route to a 4-1 drubbing of Leeds.
Few months later, however, Leeds United returned the favour with a 3-1 victory of their own at the King Power Stadium – courtesy of goals from Stuart Dallas, Patrick Bamford, and Jack Harrison.
Following their win last January, Leeds are aiming to win back-to-back games against Leicester for the first time since 1999.
Leicester City have been the superior team at Elland Road as they’ve won four of their last five away games there (W4, L1) and they’re looking for their third straight for the first time in their history.
Since the Whites have secured their promotion to the English top-flight, the Foxes became the only club to score four goals against them at Elland Road.
Furthermore, the Foxes have scored in each of their last 12 away Premier League games. Should they score at least once on Sunday, which is likely to happen according to the Premier League 2021 odds, they’ll match their record back in December 1960 when that number reached 13.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
