Leicester City threw themselves a lifeline over the weekend in the Premier League relegation fight, defeating Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 at home. The win sent the Foxes outside the relegation zone.
On Tuesday night, Leicester City will make the trip to Yorkshire to play Leeds United at Elland Road. Leeds are coming off a 2-1 loss to Fulham at Craven Cottage. It was Leeds' third consecutive defeat in the Premier League.
A big win, a big week to come 👊 pic.twitter.com/VIBBQdxSh7— Leicester City (@LCFC) April 23, 2023
A big win, a big week to come 👊 pic.twitter.com/VIBBQdxSh7
Javi Gracia’s team is 16th in the standings, one point above the bottom three. Leicester City are outside the relegation zone thanks to goal difference. A loss or draw with Leeds at Elland Road could see either Everton or Nottingham Forest leapfrog them in the standings.
Leicester City won 2-0 against Leeds in October in the reverse fixture. The Foxes are unbeaten in three straight league fixtures against Leeds United.
Leicester City scored twice in the opening half as Leeds’ Robin Koch scored an own goal in the 16th minute and Harvey Barnes added a second on 35 minutes.
Leeds United are struggling to prevent goals. They conceded at least two goals in six of their last seven matches in the Premier League.
The Whites took just six points from the last six matches. They were outscored 20-10 by opponents.
Leeds conceded the second-most goals in the league this season with 62. Only Bournemouth’s 63 tops Leeds’ goals allowed total.
Leicester City took only four points from their last six matches. Manager Dean Smith collected his first win as manager against Wolves. The victory ended a four-match losing streak. Leicester were outscored 10-6 in the last six fixtures.
Gracia has a mostly fit squad to face off with Leicester at Elland Road. Only Stuart Dallas and Tyler Adams are on the injured list. Adams is expected to miss the rest of the season after groin surgery. Dallas is also set to miss the fixture.
Injury problems have plagued Leicester City for the last few seasons. The final run in this season will continue to see the Foxes struggle to have a full first-team available.
Defender James Justin is ruled out along with defender Ricardo Pereira. Winger Harvey Barnes could be fit following a thigh injury. Jonny Evans is unlikely to play, and a decision on James Maddison’s fitness will be made on the day of the match.
Jannik Vestergaard remains ruled out due to a calf problem. Ryan Bertrand could make the squad after a fitness issue. However, striker Jamie Vardy is out with an ankle injury.
Leeds United are in a do-or-die situation against a direct relegation rival. The Whites should manage to pull out a 2-1 win against Leicester City at home. The home crowd should make a difference for Gracia’s team.