Middlesbrough v Leicester City - Match Preview

After securing back to back wins for the first time by beating Hull City on Sunday, Leicester City will be hoping to get another monkey off their back as they face the long trip north to Middlesbrough.

The Foxes visit the Riverside still looking for their first away win of the season after defeats at Charlton, Blackburn and Wolves. But it will be a tough test for City, who face a Boro side with a 100% home record.

Manager Tony Mowbray is set to ring the changes after making 11 for the win at Preston in the Capital One Cup in midweek.

However, there are doubts over Jason Steele and Grant Leadbitter (both calf), Justin Hoyte and Jonathan Woodgate (both hamstring) and Ishmael Miller (groin), while Rhys Williams and Curtis Main are definitely ruled out.

City manager Nigel Pearson, returning to the club where he spent four years as a player and captained them to two promotions, three cup finals and a relegation, has no new injury concers and will pick from an unchanged squad. Richie Wellens is the only absentee as he continues to recover from knee surgery.

Should Pearson want to change his line up, then he can call upon fit again defender Zak Whitbread, midfielders Andy King and Lloyd Dyer and strikers Martyn Waghorn, Jeff Schlupp and Marko Futacs who were all on the bench against Hull.

Middlesbrough manager Tony Mowbray: “Hopefully we can pick a team that can be ready and up for the challenge and keep our good run of form at home going. It’s a game we are looking forward to and we go into it in a confident mood but we will have to be at our best to take all three points.

"They’ve had a similar start to the season as us. They’ve won some games and dropped some points along the way

"Having studied them this week, I would have to say they are dangerous opposition with some very good players"

Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson: "We’ve put in some decent performances away from home and we’ve not yet perhaps had the rewards we have deserved. We’ve been either careless or unfortunate and it’s a combination of the two.

 

“But we need to start winning away from home because we’re in touch with the top teams and it illustrates how tight things can be in this league.

 

"They’ve had a reasonable start themselves and they have some good players, but it’s about what we do in terms of our own performance and if the players show the right spirit and the right qualities, as we did last week, we go there with a good chance"

 

Match odds: Middlesbrough (17/10) Draw (12/5) Leicester (6/4)

 

Middlesbrough to win 2-1 (17/2) Leicester to win 1-0 (15/2)

 

Marvin Emnes to score anytime (7/4) David Nugent to score first (7/1)

Glenfield United Review - 23/09/2012

Seven Glenfield United teams were in action this weekend, and without doubt the first couple of mentions in this weekend's review should go to the under 12's 9v9 and U14's 2010 teams, who were not only our two teams that won, but did so in emphatic fashion.

Kicking off at 10:30 at Ellis Park, the under 12's 9v9 played their Kingsway Rangers counterparts. After winning 5-1 at Borough Alliance the previous weekend, Glenfield's confidence was sky high. But not even the most optimistic of managers, players or parents would've envisaged what would happen over the next hour, with United winning 10-1. That win puts them fourth in the Leicestershire Foxes Sunday League Under 12 9v9 Division 3 table with six points from three games.

The afternoon kick off at Gynsill Lane saw the under 14's 2010 come up against Karma FC. Like the under 12's, United went into the game on the back of a resounding win from last weekend where they won 6-0 at Birstall and a 7-1 win at Lutterworth the week before. But this Sunday, they score as many goals as they did in both them games plus a few more, as they won 16-1. With games at under 14 level being 70 minutes long, on average Glenfield scored at a rate of one goal every four minutes. The thumping win leaves the under 14's 2010 team second in the Leicester & District Sunday Juniors League, with ten points from four games and a goal difference of 27 - unsurprisingly the highest in the division.

The two featured games this weekend involved the under 14's 2005 and under 10 Tigers teams who both played at Gynsill Lane.

The first game of the day saw the under 14's 2005 team take on Khalsa. The hosts got off to a great start, in simple yet effective circumstances. From a Glenfield goal kick, the 'keeper passed to his right back, who then passed forward to the right winger. He played in striker Luke Savage who rounded the 'keeper and shot into an empty net.

However, Khalsa came up with an equaliser five minutes later. A dribble from their number ten through the middle of the park wasn't dealt with by the Glenfield defence which allowed him to shoot from the edge of the area and past the 'keeper.

Khalsa were having the better of the play and went on to score twice more to take control of the game. Firstly, a superb shot from the number nine on the edge of the area went into the top right corner, before another shot from outside the box by their number four made it 3-1.

Glenfield responded well though and grabbed a goal back before the half hour mark. A long ball from the Glenfield 'keeper bounced through to Savage who ran through one-on-one who slotted home for his and his teams second.

With the game delicatley poised, the team who went on to score the next goal was crucial. Sadly for the hosts, it was Khalsa who got it, scoring from the spot through their number ten after he had been fouled in the area.

Once again though, Glenfield got themselves back in with a shout with twenty minutes left which was a contender for goal of the game. A 30 yard strike from Daniel Semandi Curtis went over the 'keeper and into the top right corner and gave the hosts a chance of getting something from the game.

However, an equally good goal from Khalsa saw them restore their two goal lead. A short corner from the left was played to their number 11 who curled a superb strike into the top right hand corner.

Glenfield kept pushing for a way back into the game, but the scoreline was given a resounding look to it when Khalsa scored with the last kick of the game. Another corner from the left was met on the half volley by their number 16 who struck it into the net.

The under 14's 2005 team are seventh in the Leicester & District Sunday Juniors League Alan Worth Photographic Under 14 D table with three points from their first three games. They face Khalsa again next weekend, this time travelling away to play them in the U14 DEFG shield.

The midday kickoff saw Glenfield United Tigers U10 play Barrow Town Hawks U10. Eight minutes in and United took the lead with a superb effort. A shot from outside the area by Jake Beardsmore arrowed into the top right hand corner.

However, the visitors responded two minutes later with an equaliser. A freekick was driven in by number 12 through a crowd of bodies and into the net.

Glenfield continued to play well for the remainder of the first half, but a minute after the break it was Barrow who took the lead as their number two scored from a tight angle.

Four minutes later and Barrow completed their victory. Number 11 had an effort from the edge of the area which sneaked in to give the visitors a 3-1 win. The Tigers are without a point from their first two league games in the Leicester & District Mutual League Division 13 table, but they played some good football throughout the game though and will no doubt get their rewards sooner rather than later.

Glenfield United results: Glenfield United Tigers U10 1-3 Barrow Town Hawks U10; East Goscote Juniors U11 9v9 2-0 Glenfield United U11 9v9; Glenfield United U12 9v9 10-1 Kingsway Rangers U12 9v9; Ravenstone Youth FC U14s 3-2 Glenfield United U14s; Glenfield United 2005 U14s 3-6 FC Khalsa U14s; Glenfield United 2010 U14s 16-1 Karma FC; Friar Lane Junior & Youth FC U18s 3-1 Glenfield United U18s.

Leicester City v Hull City - Match Preview

Leicester City will be going into their game against Hull City on Sunday looking to do something which took them until the beginning of March to achieve last season: win back to back league games.

If City have serious aspirations of promotion this season, then putting winning streaks together will have to be attained. For that to start this weekend they will have to beat a Hull side who themselves are looking for a return to the Premier League and have won their last three games. Indeed, the Tigers have had their best start to a season since 1993/94.

The most recent of victories for the Tigers was an impressive 3-2 win at Leeds on Tuesday night which leaves them in fourth place, a point off early leaders Blackburn. The win at Elland Road came after 4-1 and 3-1 wins at home to Millwall and Bolton respectively.

For the hosts, midfielder Andy King is likely to miss out with a hamstring injury, so Matt James is expected to deputise, with Neil Danns also an option.

David Nugent and Jamie Vardy are both set to continue in attack after both scoring in the 2-1 win against Burnley on Wednesday evening, while French winger Anthony Knockaert is also expected to start after his performance in his first start of the season.

Tigers manager Steve Bruce is likely to name an unchaged side after their midweek victory. Former Fox and son of the manager, Alex Bruce is expected to start in defence, while Robert Koren, a midfielder heavily linked with Leicester in recent seasons, should also start after scoring in his last two games.

Midfielder Abdoulaye Faye has scored in his last three games and should start, while Manchester United loanee Ben Amos will start in goal. However, two former Leicester favourites Jack Hobbs and Matty Fryatt are both out with injuries.


Match odds: Leicester (1/1) Draw (5/2) Hull (13/5)

Leicester to win 2-1 (15/2) Hull to win 1-0 (8/1)

Anthony Knockaert to score first (14/1) Robert Koren to score anytime (3/1)

Leicester City v Burnley - Match Preview

The Foxes face Burnley at the King Power Stadium on Wednesday evening, the first of two home games this week where City will be hoping for maximum points from both.

Following the defeat at Wolves on Sunday, Leicester lie in 16th place with six points from five games. Both of City's wins this season have came at the King Power Stadium and will be looking to maintain their 100% record home record where they are also yet to concede.

Burnley, meanwhile, go into the game on the back of a resounding 5-2 win against Peterborough at the weekend and also have six points and are a place above City in the early Championship standings.

Andy King is a major doubt for Leicester after being substituted in the first half with a hamstring injury. Matty James, Neil Danns and Richie Wellens are all in contention to replace the Welsh international.

Manager Nigel Pearson could make changes to other personnel as well, with Anthony Knockaert and Martyn Waghorn pushing for starts after coming off the bench at Molineux. David Nugent is likely to start against his former club.

Burnley manager Eddie Howe must decide whether to start with Martin Paterson after the striker completed an hour against Peterborough in his recovery from a hamstring problem which left him out for three games.

Top goalscorer Charlie Austin will start up front, while former Fox loanee Ben Mee could also start.

Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson: "Individuals have not taken enough responsibility out there (against Wolves), and that is disappointing because we had played well in the games against Blackburn and Blackpool for the majority of the time.

"We have to look at who is available, but we have other players that can come in.

"It is down to hard work and we will get it right."

Burnley manager Eddie Howe: "Confidence is probably the biggest factor for any sportsman so it gives the lads a boost and hopefully we can go to Leicester and give a good account of ourselves.

"Every game you go into is a tough game and it's no different with the next two games we have coming up and the games beyond.

"But I think we have shown in our away games that even though we have been defeated in them, we are more than capable of getting a result."

Match odds: Leicester (4/5) Draw (13/5) Burnley (100/30)

Leicester to win 2-0 (8/1) Burnley to win 1-0 (11/1)

David Nugent to score at anytime (6/4) Charlie Austin to score first (7/1)

Glenfield United Review - 16/09/2012

With the season well and truly underway, six Glenfield United teams took to pitches across Leicestershire looking to get some more points on the board.

The Glenfield United Lions Under 9's team were looking for their first win of the season after their opening day defeat at Barlestone St Giles last week as they took on Fleckney Athletic Under 9's at Gynsill Lane.

After a bright start to the game, the Lions took the lead seven minutes in. Harry Laundon, son of coach and referee for the game Steve, finished superbly by lifting the ball over the advancing Fleckney 'keeper and into the top corner.

However, the old adage that you're most vulnerable to conceding when you've just scored rang true as the visitors scored immediately thanks to their number five.

The scores weren't level for long though as United retook the lead through Kalon Taylor. The striker won the ball in his own half before dodging the tackles of two defenders and firing home in off the post.

Taylor was celebrating minutes later when he scored his second and Glenfield's third. From a throw in, the number nine received the ball before finishing with a strike in the top corner.

The Lions had further chances in the second half to extend their lead but had to settle for the 3-1 win. They lie third in the Leicester and District Mutual League Division Seven table.

Glenfield United Under 11s 9v9 went into their game this weekend against Desford looking to get their first points of the season.

But just four minutes had passed when United conceded a penalty which was duly scored by the visitors' number eight into the top right hand corner.

The home side got back into the game though as they looked comfortable on the ball and created chances. Their good play was rewarded after 17 minutes as Aryan Palana ran down the left and into the box before unleashing a shot which went in off the left hand upright.

Six minutes later things got better for United as they took the lead. A corner from the left was crossed to the edge of the area where a shot was fired in which Alex Davies diverted into the net.

The second half continued with Glenfield playing good football, but the next goal went to Desford. A freekick on the edge of the area was taken by their number eight which went over the wall into the top left corner.

It was a superb freekick which looked to have been the final goal of the game with ten minutes left. However, four minutes from time the game saw a winner which went to the visitors. Once again, it was Desford's number eight with the goal as he tapped in from close range to give him his hat-trick and Desford all three points.

Glenfield are 10th in the Leicestershire Foxes Sunday League Division Five Yellow table without a point from their first three games. Although the result may have been disappointing, the football on show at Ellis Park from Glenfield bodes well for the rest of the season which will surely be rewarded with some victories in the near future.

Glenfield United Under 18's were looking for their first league win of the season when they took on bottom of the table Whitwick at Gynsill Lane.

Three minutes in and Glenfield took the lead. A run and cross by striker Kyle Gough was met by Tak Mazundo who volleyed in superbly from 12 yards.

But much like the under 9's before them, they switched off after taking the lead and saw their lead squandered after five minutes. A long ball from the Whitwick centre back, number 22, wasn't dealt with in the Glenfield defence which allowed their number 10 striker to score.

United created numerous chances as the game progressed, but with ten minutes left it was Whitwick who took the lead from the penalty spot. Number 22 came up from the back to take the kick which was smacked home emphatically.

With the clock ticking down, it looked like Glenfield would end the game with defeat. But four minutes from time an equaliser arrived as a long ball from a throw in was flicked in by Jacob Parkes.

United pressed for a late and arguably deserved winner, but had to make do with a point. The Under 18's are ninth in the MDH Teamwear Leicestershire Youth League Under 18 Premier table with two points from three games.

Elsewhere, the Glenfield United Under 12 9v9 team got the result of the weekend, winning 5-1 away to Borough Alliance 2010 U12 9v9. They currently lie sixth in the Leicestershire Foxes Sunday League Under 12 9v9 Division Three table with three points from two games. Next week, they host Kingsway Rangers at Ellis Park.

Glenfield United weekend results: Glenfield United Lions U9 3-1 Fleckney Athletic U9; Glenfield United Tigers U9 2-8 Anstey Swifts Storm U9; Coalville Town Ravens U10 8-0 Glenfield United Tigers U10 (Cup Game); Glenfield United U11 9v9 2-3 Desford Youth U11 9v9; Borough Alliance 2010 U12 9v9 1-5 Glenfield United U12 9v9; Glenfield United U18s 2-2 Whitwick JFC U18a

Wolves v Leicester City - Match Preview

Leicester City travel to Molineux, hoping to make it two wins out of two infront of the Sky cameras when they face Wolves on Sunday afternoon.

Prior to the international break, City beat league leaders Blackpool 1-0 live on Sky thanks to a Ben Marshall penalty. They face another big test this weekend as they travel to the recently relegated West Midlands club.

Nigel Pearson could name the same side that beat Blackpool, with Jamie Vardy and David Nugent likely to stay up front.

Richie Wellens is available after recovering from injury, as is Ritchie de Laet who was set to start against Blackpool before pulling up in the warm up. Paul Gallagher however won't feature after being sent on loan to League One side Sheffield United.

Wolves, currently 19th after four games, have been handed a treble fitness boost with the news that Kevin Foley, Razak Boukari and Bjorn Sigurdarson are all available.

Goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey has stepped up his training from a torn cruciate knee ligament which has kept him out for six months but the game against Leicester is too early for his return. Therefore ex Fox Carl Ikeme is set to start in goal, while Richard Stearman, who made 116 appearances for Leicester, is pushing for a start after coming off the bench in the defeat against Cardiff.

Match Odds:

Wolves (8/5) Draw (12/5) Leicester (8/5)

Wolves to win 2-1 (17/2) Leicester to win 2-0 (11/1)

Sylvain Ebanks-Blake to score first (6/1) Andy King to score in 90 mins (9/2)

Glenfield United Review - 09/09/2012

Eight Glenfield United teams were in action over what is likely to be the warmest weekend of the season.

Glenfield United 2005 Under 14s got off to the perfect start last weekend with a 3-0 win at Earl Shilton Juniors and were looking to continue their 100% record as they hosted Loughborough Dynamo JFC U14s at Gynsill Lane.

They couldn't have wished for a better start to the game. From the first corner of the game, striker Luke Savage headed home before lobbing the keeper from 25 yards to get his and the teams second inside just four minutes.

Dynamo were allowed to get back into the game and grabbed a goal back after 12 minutes in spectacular fashion. The Glenfield defence didn't fully clear as the ball fell to Loughborough's number 10 who scored a superb bicycle kick from ten yards.

United kept pushing looking to restore their two goal lead but it was Loughborough who brought the scores level five minutes before half time. A left wing cross from Dynamo's number seven was met by their number nine who tapped into an empty net.

Loughborough's comeback appeared complete fifteen minutes into the second half. The visitors' number seven, a threat all game, shot from the edge of the area into the bottom right hand corner.

However, Glenfield reacted in perfect fashion, equalising three minutes later. A freekick wasn't dealt with by the Dynamo defence which allowed Jordan Stain to strike home from the edge of the area.

Both sides were pushing for the winner and it was Loughborough who got it. A cross from the right was met in the area by the number seven who scored his second of the game, eight minutes from time.

United continued trying for another equaliser to get at least the point they deserved but it didn't come, losing the game 4-3. The Under 14's 2005 lie third in the Leicester and District Sunday Juniors League Alan Worth Photographic Under 14D table.
Glenfield United Under 18s were looking to get their first points of the season on the board as they hosted top of the table Thurlaston Magpies.

United looked threatening from the start and hit the bar twice in the opening 20 minutes. Firstly, Dan Squires hit the bar from inside the box before Jack Foley rattled the horizontal from 30 yards.

The hosts eventually took the lead three minutes before half time. Right winger Jacob Parkes won the ball in his own half and rang the length of the pitch before crossing to striker Will Mayne to slot home.

Two superb saves from Glenfield 'keeper Mitchell Sewell kept the home side ahead, but he had no chance with Thurlaston's equaliser. A 25 yard strike from their number ten flew into the bottom right hand corner twenty minutes from full time.

Glenfield pushed for the winner but had to settle for a point. After two games they're in eighth place in the MDH Teamwear Leicestershire Youth League Under 18 Premier table with one point.

Elsewhere, Glenfield United 2010 U14s recorded an emphatic 7-1 win at Lutterworth Athletic Juniors and are second in the Leicester and District Sunday Juniors League Under 14G table.

Glenfield United results: Glenfield United Tigers U8 L-W Studs U8; Shepshed Dynamo U9 2-0 Glenfield United Tigers U9; Glenfield United U11 9v9 5-6 Sileby Juniors U11 9v9; Lutterworth Town U12 9v9 8-4 Glenfield United Under 12 9v9; Anstey Swifts FC U14s 5-2 Glenfield United U14s; Glenfield United 2005 U14s 3-4 Loughborough Dynamo JFC U14s; Lutterworth Athletic Juniors 1-7 Glenfield United 2010 U14s; Glenfield United U18s 1-1 Thurlaston Magpies.

Oadby Owls Under 18's 2-0 Glenfield United Under 18's

Glenfield United Under 18's were unable to get their season off to a winning start after losing 2-0 at Oadby Owls on Sunday.

Two second half goals from the hosts proved enough to win the game in which United will feel hard done by not to take something from it.

The visitors had two chances in the first two minutes of the game to take an early lead. Firstly, left winger Jake Seaton had a shot from the edge of the area which went over the bar before Dan Squires was denied by the Oadby 'keeper after being put through one-on-one.

The Owls took a while to get into the game, and aside from several long range shots, didn't look like making a breakthrough.

United won the first corner of the game and was met by centre half Kyle McLauchlin, but he headed over when unmarked.

After 25 minutes, Seaton played in striker Will Mayne whose shot was fumbled behind by the 'keeper. From the resulting corner, McLauchlin had another chance but this time his shot was saved. Ten minutes later, United had another chance to open the scoring. Once again, Seaton combined with Mayne, but the striker couldn't get to the ball in time to get the shot away.

Oadby's best chance of the first half came with three minutes left. The hosts' number eight ran down the left wing, but his cross along the six yard box wasn't met by a black and white stripped shirt and Glenfield cleared the ball.

After a goalless first half, Oadby took the lead five minutes into the second half. A long range freekick was whipped in by the number eight which hit the bar but Oadby's number 11 reacted quickest to the rebound to give them the lead.

United reacted well and had several chances to equalise. Another corner was head by McLauclin but he headed over before Mayne was put through. His shot was parried by the 'keeper and the rebound fell to midfielder Jack Foley, but his long range shot was deflected over.

Foley almost equalised again in spectacular fashion as his 30 yard freekick was tipped wide. United sustained the pressure with corners and long throws but were unable to find that crucial breakthrough.

They were made to pay when Oadby put the game beyond doubt 20 minutes from time. A long ball wasn't dealt with by Glenfield's defence which allowed Oadby's number 11 to chip the ball over the on rushing 'keeper Mitch Sewell.

Despite some more pressure, United couldn't find a way back into the game. They will be hoping to get their season up and running when they host Leicester Bharat in a cup game on Tuesday evening.

Glenfield United results: Queniborough U10 3-2 Glenfield United Tigers U10, Syston Town Pheonix U11 9v9 5-1 Glenfield United U11 9v9, Glenfield United U14s 0-0 Allexton & New Parks U14s, Earl Shilton Juniors 0-3 Glenfield United 2005 U14s, Glenfield United 2010 U14s 3-3 Lutterworth Athletic Juniors, Oadby Owls U18s 2-0 Glenfield United U18s