Friday, 17 August 2012

Leicester City v Peterborough United - Preview

Leicester City get their 2012/13 nPower Championship campaign underway on Saturday as they host Peterborough United at the King Power stadium.

The Foxes are once again expected to reach at least the playoffs this season, and will be hoping to get the season underway with three points.

Peterborough meanwhile are tipped to struggle but will be confident that they can upset the odds and beat their near neighbours.

Both teams come into the game after convincing wins in the League Cup. City beat Torquay United 4-0 to progress into the second round, while Posh beat Southend United by the same scoreline.

Last season, Peterborough took four points off Leicester, drawing 1-1 at the King Power stadium in December before winning 1-0 at London Road in April and denting City's playoff ambitions.

Liam Moore is fit to play after it was feared that he had broken his jaw in the win at Torquay, while Anthony Knockaert returns from international duty. However, City are without Zak Whitbread, Sean St Ledger and Richie Wellens while defender Tom Parkes is suspended.

Strikers Emile Sinclair and Tyrone Barnett are fit for Peterborough. Nathaniel Mendez-Laing (hamstring), Daniel Kearns (knee), Tommy Rowe (collar bone) and long term absentee Dave Hibbert are all out.

Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson: "We're pleased to get into the competitive games. We had a good result at Torquay on Tuesday but this is what it's all about. It is an unusual start to have a League Cup game before the league programmes starts, but this is what we've been working towards and we're looking forward to the game.

"It is always tough against Peterborough because they've got players who are very good in possession and play attacking football. We have to make sure we make it a difficult game for them"

Peterborough United manager Darren Ferguson: "'Obviously we would have loved to start the league campaign with a home fixture, but this is the closest game we could of possibly got away from home and I am sure we will take a good following of supporters and it should be a great atmosphere.

'Leicester have bought wisely over the summer, bringing in three players that I know well from Manchester United in Ritchie De Laat, Matty James and Danny Drinkwater. Nigel Pearson will have his team organised and they will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season"

Match odds: Leicester (8/15) Draw (14/5) Peterborough (11/2)

Leicester to win 2-0 (6/1). Peterborough to win 2-1 (16-1)

Jamie Vardy to score first (5/1). Lee Tomlin to score first (9/1)

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