The Foxes face their first East Midlands derby of the season as they host Nottingham Forest at the King Power stadium on Saturday lunchtime, a game broadcast live on Sky.
City were unbeaten in the four meetings last season, drawing twice in the league and again in an FA Cup Third Round tie before winning the replay 4-0.
A lot has changed for both teams since last season, most notbaly for the visitors who were the subject of a Kuwaiti takeover in the summer and are now managed by Sean O'Driscoll.
Leicester have some defensive troubles ahead of the 103rd meeting. Paul Konchesky will definitly missing after picking up a hamstring injury against Bolton on Tuesday, as will centre back Sean St Ledger. However, Zak Whitbread returns after his one match suspension.
Striker Jamie Vardy is also out, so Martyn Waghorn is expected to carry on alongside David Nugent up front.
Michael Keane, signed on loan from Manchester United on Monday, went off as a precaution on Tuesday night but should be ok, while fellow loanee Jesse Lingard is pushing for a starting berth.
Forest were dealt a blow this week when it was revealed midfielder Radoslaw Majewski would be out until at least the New Year with ankle ligament damage.
Adlene Guedioura is expected to replace the Polish international, with Henri Lansbury and Lewis McGugan also possible options.
Jermaine Jenas is out through injury, while Andy Reid, Dan Harding (both hamstring) and Simon Cox (foot) will have fitness tests.
Leicester captain Wes Morgan on facing his former club: "I spent a long time at Forest, and I have a lot of fond memories and good times there.
"One of the big regrets is that I was never part of a Forest side that reached the Premier League.
"Now I want to achieve that dream with Leicester. I came here because I wanted the challenge and we have a great chance this season.
Nottingham Forest manager Sean O'Driscoll: "I'm trying to put processes in place that will stand this club in good stead in the future. We’re just trying to be consistent in what we do.
"“We’re still forming as a team – the teams that are coming to the fore in the division, the likes of Cardiff and Leicester, have worked out that throwing around big money doesn’t necessarily work in the Championship.
“Having some financial strength helps but it’s the little things that don’t cost anything that are quite often the most important.”
Match Odds: Leicester (4/5) Draw (13/5) Nottingham Forest (100/30)
Leicester to win 3-1 (14/1) 0-0 Draw (10/1) Nottingham Forest to win 2-1 (12/1)
Andy King to score in 90 minutes (9/2) Billy Sharp to score first (15/2)
No comments:
Post a Comment