Leicester City are set to take on Tottenham in the Premier League on Thursday. The home side were impressive in their previous match while the visitors’ previous game was postponed due to a COVID-19 outbreak. Can the Foxes carry forward their momentum against Spurs?
Brendan Rodgers was finally able to find some solution to his side’s defensive problems as the Foxes secured their second clean sheet of the season with a 4-0 win against Newcastle. Summer signing, Patson Daka, started in his first home game in place of Leicester City’s main striker, Jamie Vardy. The Zambian was impressive for the Foxes as he scored one goal and provided an assist. Tielemans scored twice, while Maddison added another as the Foxes displayed a dominant performance against a struggling Newcastle side. After relegating to the Europa Conference League, the Foxes’ second successive home win will give them confidence when they welcome Tottenham. Johny Evans had to be withdrawn early in the game against Newcastle due to a hamstring concern. Leicester City also have several players affected by the recent COVID-19 outbreak in the Premier League, as Vestergaard, Perez, Lookman, Amartey, Iheanacho, Choudhury and Benkovic are all set to remain out for the game against Spurs. Fofana and Justin are yet to make an appearance this season and are currently recovering.
In the previous game against Newcastle, Leicester had a higher xG than their opponents. The Foxes were more accurate in their shooting, as indicated by their shot accuracy of 62.50%. Tielemans had the highest xG, followed by Daka. Soyuncu won the highest number of aerial duels while also making the joint-highest number of passes to the final third.
Despite their defensive issues, the Foxes have fared well in the attack. They have scored the fifth-highest number of goals and average 1.55 goals per match.
Tottenham’s recent game against Brighton had to be postponed due to a COVID-19 outbreak which has affected eight players. Although they are two games behind the other team, the Lillywhites’ recent revival in form has ensured that they remain close to the top four sides. They are placed seventh in the Premier League with eight wins, one draw, and five losses in 14 matches and are behind the fourth-placed West Ham by three points. Tottenham’s previous win in the league was a 3-0 home win against Norwich City. Since Conte’s arrival, Spurs have remained unbeaten in the league, grabbing three wins in the Italian managers’ four games in charge. Moura, Scarlett, Skipp, Son, Royal, and Gil are doubtful to make an appearance due to COVID concerns. Ndombele, Winks, and Bergwijn could be in contention for the match against Leicester.
Tottenham were dominant in their previous match against Norwich City. Lucas Moura opened the scoring for his side in the 9th minute. Sanchez added another in the 66th minute. Son capped off the win with a strike of his own. Spurs had a higher xG than their opponents. Kane led the xG chart, followed by Davies. Sanchez won the highest number of aerial duels.
In terms of match tempo, Spurs are placed at the seventh spot, while in terms of open play, possession for more than 45 seconds puts them in the tenth spot.
Predicted XI
Leicester City (4-2-3-1): Schmeichel; Pereira, Soumare, Soyuncu, Thomas; Ndidi, Tielemans; Maddison, Dewsbury-Hall, Barnes; Daka.
Tottenham (3-4-2-1): Lloris; Sanchez, Dier, Davies; Tanganga, Hojbjerg, Winks, Reguilon; Alli, Bergwijn; Kane.
Prediction
Tottenham will be without multiple first-choice players and will have to make do with a diminished squad. Leicester City are likely to come out on top in this one.
