Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester City sealed progression to the round of 32 in the Europa League with a 3-3 draw versus Braga last week. Now, Leicester City can wrap up first place in the group, ensuring a slightly easier draw in the knockout stage.
The Foxes are not in good form heading into the match, however. They are winless in three straight games in all competitions. Two of those matches – both in the Premier League – ended in losses.
Heading to Zaporizhzhia! 🛫Read all about today's trip to 🇺🇦 and City's plans ahead of #ZrlLei 👇— Leicester City (@LCFC) December 2, 2020
Heading to Zaporizhzhia! 🛫Read all about today's trip to 🇺🇦 and City's plans ahead of #ZrlLei 👇
Rodgers will hope the team’s trip to Ukraine will be successful and allow them to overturn their flagging play. Leicester City thrashed Zorya on matchday 1 in the Europa League, 3-0, thanks to goals from James Maddison, Harvey Barnes, and Kelechi Iheanacho.
Zorya have claimed one win in the competition, which came against AEK Athens away from home. The Ukrainians can still progress to the round of 32, but must win out and hope Braga lose both final games.
The Foxes have been rabid in front of goal in the Europa League scoring 12 goals in four games. All four games have seen over 2.5 goals scored. Even with defensive injuries, Leicester City have only allowed four goals to opponents.
Zorya, on the other hand, have tallied five goals while allowing nine to opponents. All four of their games have finished with over 2.5 goals as well. Group G has certainly been a high-scoring Europa League group.
Manager Viktor Skripnik’s team have been poor for much of the season. However, they are suddenly on a two-match winning streak in all competitions. It is the first multi-game winning streak the team have experienced this season. Still, the gulf in class for Thursday night’s game is great.
With progression secured, Rodgers could rotate his team with eyes on a Premier League win versus Sheffield United at the weekend. Timothy Castagne is recovering from a muscle injury and is a doubt for the game.
Ricard Pereira is nearing a return from a long-term injury. He could play against Zorya as part of his rehab. Centre-back Caglar Soyuncu is also nearing a return and could make the trip to Ukraine. Wilfried Ndidi and Daniel Amartey are both ruled out.
Leicester City can top the group with a win and set their sights on the last 32 of the Europa League. They shouldn’t have too much trouble versus Zorya away, just as they didn’t at the King Power Stadium. Rodgers should see his team to victory with over 2.5 goals scored away from home.