Leicester City host Wolverhampton Wanderers at the King Power Stadium on Saturday. Leicester are coming off of a disappointing 2-1 loss to Manchester United. Meanwhile, Wolves marked their return to the Premier League with a come from behind draw against Everton.
This is the first time the clubs have met in the Premier League in some time. Their last five league meetings all took place in the EFL Championship between 2007 and 2013. Wolves won twice in those five matches while Leicester picked up one victory.
To say these two clubs are far different than they were in 2013 is an understatement. Since their last league meeting, a Leicester 2-1 home win in 2013, the Foxes have won the Premier League. Wolverhampton have also won a trophy since that last game against Leicester as they romped to the EFL Championship title last term. In addition, Wolves have been bought by Fosun International. The owners have splurged on talented players to make Wolves a dangerous team in this season’s Premier League.
Claude Puel’s Leicester are better than they showed against Manchester United in their season opener. The Foxes controlled possession with 54 percent. Leicester also outshot the Red Devils 13-8 with four of their shots being on target. Leicester were undone by an early penalty at Old Trafford. Their fight back came up just short. The Foxes will fancy their chances against Wolves in their home opener.
Wolves came from behind twice to draw with Everton. Midfielders Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho starred for the newly promoted team. Neves scored a sensational free-kick before setting up Raul Jimenez for the equaliser. Moutinho kept the team ticking and may prove to be the bargain signing of the summer.
Manager Nuno Espirito Santo did see his three-man backline give up goals too easily to Everton. The Toffees second came from a throw-in in which Wolves’ centre-backs backed off Richarlison until he shot past Rui Patricio in goal. The good news is Wolves have plenty of quality players in the side and they should continue to build over the course of the season.
Leicester will be without Matty James and Nampalys Mendy for their home opener. Santo will have all of his players fit for Wolves’ trip to the King Power Stadium. Both teams are still finding their feet. Puel’s Leicester will get a goal against Wolves’ back three. But Wolverhampton will also find a goal from one of their top-rated attackers.
Saturday’s fixture at the King Power can finish in a score draw between the two teams.