Chris Wood is likely make his Leicester City debut as the Foxes welcome Huddersfield Town for the first game of 2013.
The New Zealand international striker, 21, signed from West Bromwich Albion earlier this week for £1.25m and the transfer will be made official once the January transfer window opens tomorrow should his registration be ratified by the Football League and the FA.
Wood could partner David Nugent up front after he scored the winner in Saturday's game at Burnley, Leicester's first goal in three games and first win since the beginning of December.
Defender Zak Whitbread and striker Jamie Vardy are both doubts after they missed the trip to Turf Moor, but Manchester United loanee Michael Keane is available. Sean St Ledger remains sidelined with a hamstring problem.
Huddersfield manager and former City defender Simon Grayson welcomes back and is also without two strikers as they look to stop their run of nine games without a win.
Another ex Fox James Vaughan returns after missing several games with a thigh strain, while Alan Lee also comes back after serving a three-match ban. Both are in contention to start the game as Jermaine Beckford is ineligible to face his parent club, while Simon Church has returned to Reading.
Right back Jack Hunt is a doubt after he limped off in the 0-0 draw against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, while fellow full back Calum Woods could also be missing after the groin injury picked up on Boxing Day.
Winger Danny Ward also picked up an injury on Boxing Day so remains doubtful, while midfielder Oscar Gobern remains missing after ankle surgery.
Leicester won the reverse fixture in October as two stunning goals from Anthony Knockaert proved the difference in a 2-0 win, a result which saw Leicester move into second place.
Leicester City assistant manager Craig Shakespeare: "Huddersfield away was one of our best away performances of the season, but we have to make sure we replicate that this time around.
"There are no easy games in the Championship, as soon as you think there are it can bite you in the backside. We know Huddersfield are coming tomorrow to steal the points away from us.
"Hopefully, with the home supporters behind us, we can produce another good performance and make a good start to the year."
Huddersfield manager Simon Grayson: "We may not have won in five, but we have only been beaten once in our last five games.
"We keep picking up points and we need to keep chipping away until we get that victory.
"The players worked harder today (Saturday) and showed a lot of commitment and I am sure that when we start winning games we will show more quality."
Match Odds:
Leicester (4/9) Draw (16/5) Huddersfield (13/2)
Leicester to win 2-0 (6/1) 0-0 draw (14/1) Huddersfield to win 2-1 (18/1)
Anthony Knockaert to score anytime (7/2) Alan Lee to score first (10/1)
Monday, 31 December 2012
Monday, 17 December 2012
Glenfield United Weekly Review: 16/12/12
Three Glenfield United games are featured this weekend, with most teams playing their last matches of 2012.
Under 14 G league leaders Glenfield United 2010 U14 were in action at Gynsill Lane, as they hosted sixth placed Whetstone Juniors 2012. Both sides are familiar with each other having met just last week, with the game ending 3-3.
After a change of pitch fifteen minutes before kick off, the game got underway with United making a great start with two goals ten minutes in.
Firstly a low cross from the left across the penalty area was turned into his own net by Whetstones' number two after being put under pressure.
A second came two minutes later in more spectacular fashion. Midfielder Alex Pullen received the ball before firing a long range right footed strike into the far corner.
Glenfield remained comfortable with their two goal lead for most of the first half. That was until five minutes before the break as Whetstone grabbed a goal back.
Hesitation in the Glenfield backline was capitalised on by Whetstone's number 11 striker who prodded the ball into the net from a few yards out.
The second half was played at a high tempo, with Glenfield looking to retain their two goal lead, while Whetstone pushed for an equaliser.
And the scores were nearly level ten minutes from time. A corner from the left wasn't fully cleared and a Whetstone player's shot went just wide.
The visitors kept searching for a late leveller but it didn't come. The result leaves Glenfield top of the table going into 2013, three points clear of second placed Harborough Town who do have three games in hand.
The lunchtime kick off at Gynsill Lane saw Glenfield United Lions U9 take on Barlestone St Giles.
It was the Lions who took the lead, and just like the Under 14 2010 game after them, came courtesy of an own goal as a corner from the right went in off Barlestone's number five.
The visitors scored a goal at the right end five minutes later though, number 12 with a shot from inside the area which went into the corner of the net to make it 1-1.
United kept the pressure on though, and were rewarded as they retook the lead. An error in the defence after good closing down from the Glenfield strikers saw the ball break to Harry Laundon who fired into the roof of the net.
The hosts looked set to go ahead at half time, but with the last kick of the half Barlestone equalised for the second time. Number eight was put through one on one and shot low into the bottom corner.
And for the first time in the game Barlestone took the lead five minutes after the break. The Glenfield 'keeper parried a shot which was followed up by number three who finished from close range.
The Lions kept pushing for a deserved equaliser and went close on several occasions, but a third goal didn't come as the game finished 2-3. The result leaves Glenfield seventh with five points from seven games.
The first game of the day was at Ellis Park, as Glenfield United U12 9v9 welcomed Lutterworth Town, a place above United in the league standings.
The deadlock was broken two minutes prior to half time. A Glenfield corner from the right was headed clear, only as far as left back Sam Greenhill who unleashed a left foot strike from the edge of the area which went through a crowd of bodies and in for only his second ever Glenfield United goal.
But just as many minutes after the interval and the scores were level. A ball over the top fell to number nine who chipped the ball over the Glenfield 'keeper and in.
Glenfield were then let off the hook after 50 minutes as Lutterworth had three chances to score. Number 11 ran through one-on-one but saw his shot saved before the rebound was cleared off the line. A third shot then hit the bar before the ball was cleared and the score remained at one each.
Both sides kept pushing for a winner, and Glenfield looked more likely to get it as the game went on, but the game ended as a draw. United remain in fifth place and they play Borough Alliance at Ellis Park next weekend.
Glenfield United results: Glenfield United Lions U9 2-3 Barlestone St Giles U9, Glenfield United Tigers U9 1-5 Shepshed Dynamo U9, Desford Youth U11 9v9 5-0 Glenfield United U11 9v9, Glenfield United U12 9v9 1-1 Lutterworth Town U12 9v9, Glenfield United U14 1-6 Blaby & Whetstone BC FC U14, Asfordby Amateurs U14 4-3 Glenfield United 2005 U14, Glenfield United 2010 U14 2-1 Whetstone Juniors 2012 U14, Thurlaston Magpies JFC U18 P-P Glenfield United U18.
Under 14 G league leaders Glenfield United 2010 U14 were in action at Gynsill Lane, as they hosted sixth placed Whetstone Juniors 2012. Both sides are familiar with each other having met just last week, with the game ending 3-3.
After a change of pitch fifteen minutes before kick off, the game got underway with United making a great start with two goals ten minutes in.
Firstly a low cross from the left across the penalty area was turned into his own net by Whetstones' number two after being put under pressure.
A second came two minutes later in more spectacular fashion. Midfielder Alex Pullen received the ball before firing a long range right footed strike into the far corner.
Glenfield remained comfortable with their two goal lead for most of the first half. That was until five minutes before the break as Whetstone grabbed a goal back.
Hesitation in the Glenfield backline was capitalised on by Whetstone's number 11 striker who prodded the ball into the net from a few yards out.
The second half was played at a high tempo, with Glenfield looking to retain their two goal lead, while Whetstone pushed for an equaliser.
And the scores were nearly level ten minutes from time. A corner from the left wasn't fully cleared and a Whetstone player's shot went just wide.
The visitors kept searching for a late leveller but it didn't come. The result leaves Glenfield top of the table going into 2013, three points clear of second placed Harborough Town who do have three games in hand.
The lunchtime kick off at Gynsill Lane saw Glenfield United Lions U9 take on Barlestone St Giles.
It was the Lions who took the lead, and just like the Under 14 2010 game after them, came courtesy of an own goal as a corner from the right went in off Barlestone's number five.
The visitors scored a goal at the right end five minutes later though, number 12 with a shot from inside the area which went into the corner of the net to make it 1-1.
United kept the pressure on though, and were rewarded as they retook the lead. An error in the defence after good closing down from the Glenfield strikers saw the ball break to Harry Laundon who fired into the roof of the net.
The hosts looked set to go ahead at half time, but with the last kick of the half Barlestone equalised for the second time. Number eight was put through one on one and shot low into the bottom corner.
And for the first time in the game Barlestone took the lead five minutes after the break. The Glenfield 'keeper parried a shot which was followed up by number three who finished from close range.
The Lions kept pushing for a deserved equaliser and went close on several occasions, but a third goal didn't come as the game finished 2-3. The result leaves Glenfield seventh with five points from seven games.
The first game of the day was at Ellis Park, as Glenfield United U12 9v9 welcomed Lutterworth Town, a place above United in the league standings.
The deadlock was broken two minutes prior to half time. A Glenfield corner from the right was headed clear, only as far as left back Sam Greenhill who unleashed a left foot strike from the edge of the area which went through a crowd of bodies and in for only his second ever Glenfield United goal.
But just as many minutes after the interval and the scores were level. A ball over the top fell to number nine who chipped the ball over the Glenfield 'keeper and in.
Glenfield were then let off the hook after 50 minutes as Lutterworth had three chances to score. Number 11 ran through one-on-one but saw his shot saved before the rebound was cleared off the line. A third shot then hit the bar before the ball was cleared and the score remained at one each.
Both sides kept pushing for a winner, and Glenfield looked more likely to get it as the game went on, but the game ended as a draw. United remain in fifth place and they play Borough Alliance at Ellis Park next weekend.
Glenfield United results: Glenfield United Lions U9 2-3 Barlestone St Giles U9, Glenfield United Tigers U9 1-5 Shepshed Dynamo U9, Desford Youth U11 9v9 5-0 Glenfield United U11 9v9, Glenfield United U12 9v9 1-1 Lutterworth Town U12 9v9, Glenfield United U14 1-6 Blaby & Whetstone BC FC U14, Asfordby Amateurs U14 4-3 Glenfield United 2005 U14, Glenfield United 2010 U14 2-1 Whetstone Juniors 2012 U14, Thurlaston Magpies JFC U18 P-P Glenfield United U18.
Monday, 10 December 2012
Glenfield United Weekly Review: 09/12/12
After two weeks of postponements due to heavy rain and then ground frost, football returned to Gynsill Lane and Ellis Park as five teams resumed their seasons.
Glenfield United Under 14's were in County Cup action as they hosted second division Barwell, with a place in the quarter finals up for grabs.
United had beaten Broughton Astley, Broughton Villa and Leicester Nirvana to reach the last 16, while Barwell had beaten Khalsa FC and Whetstone to get this far.
It was a great start for United as they took the lead inside ten minutes. After good work from midfielder Ashley Kirk down the left, the ball fell to striker Shivang Odedra before hitting a 20 yard effort which went over the Barwell 'keeper and in.
The conditions were playing their part in the game, with the ball often holding up or gathering pace in the strong winds, and it may have had an affecy on Barwell's equaliser after half an hour.
A freekick from more than 25 yards out was struck by the visitors' number 15 which went into the top left corner and it looked like that the teams would be going in at half time at all square.
That didn't prove to be the case though as Glenfield retook the lead three minutes later. This time, Odedra turned provider as he showed good skill on the right before squaring to midfielder Harry Moir who finished from six yards.
The second half started well for United as they kept probing for their third goal which would put the game out of Barwell's reach.
It came on the 50 minute mark. Joe Storer's shot from the right saw it get deflected into the net and despite the best efforts of a Barwell defernder, he couldn't prevent it from going in.
Five minutes later and United had a fourth. Ashley Kirk drilled in a low freekick from well outside the box which went under the jumping wall and into the bottom corner.
The scoring was complete five minutes from time as Odedra scored his second and Glenfield's fifth. He captialised on some hesitation in the Barwell defence before running clean through on goal, rounding the 'keeper and scoring into an empty net.
It was a great result and performance from Glenfield as they continue their cup run which sees them now go into the quarter finals of the Under 14's County Cup.
The second and final game of the day saw Glenfield United Under 8's host Netherhall.
It took just under a minute for the deadlock to be broken, as the visitors' number 10 made it 1-0 before number six doubled their lead.
Halway through the first half and Netherhall made it 3-0 as number eight fired a shot into the top corner. The same player then scored his second and his teams fourth with another good strike, this time with the ball ending up in the bottom corner.
The second half saw a much better performance from Glenfield as they looked for a way back into the game and limited the amount of chances the visitors had.
Netherhall did get a fifth eight minutes from time as number seven scored from a goal mouth scramble.
But it was Glenfield who had the final say as a cross into the box was converted by Louis Fenton whose shot went in off the post as they ended 2012 on a positive note.
Glenfield United results: Glenfield United Under 8 1-5 Netherhall Diamonds, Glenfield United U11 9v9 3-3 Syston Town Pheonix U11 9v9, Glenfield United U14 5-1 AFC Barwell U14, Whetstone Juniors 2012 U14 3-3 Glenfield United 2010 U14, Anstey Swifts FC U18 3-1 Glenfield United U18.
Glenfield United Under 14's were in County Cup action as they hosted second division Barwell, with a place in the quarter finals up for grabs.
United had beaten Broughton Astley, Broughton Villa and Leicester Nirvana to reach the last 16, while Barwell had beaten Khalsa FC and Whetstone to get this far.
It was a great start for United as they took the lead inside ten minutes. After good work from midfielder Ashley Kirk down the left, the ball fell to striker Shivang Odedra before hitting a 20 yard effort which went over the Barwell 'keeper and in.
The conditions were playing their part in the game, with the ball often holding up or gathering pace in the strong winds, and it may have had an affecy on Barwell's equaliser after half an hour.
A freekick from more than 25 yards out was struck by the visitors' number 15 which went into the top left corner and it looked like that the teams would be going in at half time at all square.
That didn't prove to be the case though as Glenfield retook the lead three minutes later. This time, Odedra turned provider as he showed good skill on the right before squaring to midfielder Harry Moir who finished from six yards.
The second half started well for United as they kept probing for their third goal which would put the game out of Barwell's reach.
It came on the 50 minute mark. Joe Storer's shot from the right saw it get deflected into the net and despite the best efforts of a Barwell defernder, he couldn't prevent it from going in.
Five minutes later and United had a fourth. Ashley Kirk drilled in a low freekick from well outside the box which went under the jumping wall and into the bottom corner.
The scoring was complete five minutes from time as Odedra scored his second and Glenfield's fifth. He captialised on some hesitation in the Barwell defence before running clean through on goal, rounding the 'keeper and scoring into an empty net.
It was a great result and performance from Glenfield as they continue their cup run which sees them now go into the quarter finals of the Under 14's County Cup.
The second and final game of the day saw Glenfield United Under 8's host Netherhall.
It took just under a minute for the deadlock to be broken, as the visitors' number 10 made it 1-0 before number six doubled their lead.
Halway through the first half and Netherhall made it 3-0 as number eight fired a shot into the top corner. The same player then scored his second and his teams fourth with another good strike, this time with the ball ending up in the bottom corner.
The second half saw a much better performance from Glenfield as they looked for a way back into the game and limited the amount of chances the visitors had.
Netherhall did get a fifth eight minutes from time as number seven scored from a goal mouth scramble.
But it was Glenfield who had the final say as a cross into the box was converted by Louis Fenton whose shot went in off the post as they ended 2012 on a positive note.
Glenfield United results: Glenfield United Under 8 1-5 Netherhall Diamonds, Glenfield United U11 9v9 3-3 Syston Town Pheonix U11 9v9, Glenfield United U14 5-1 AFC Barwell U14, Whetstone Juniors 2012 U14 3-3 Glenfield United 2010 U14, Anstey Swifts FC U18 3-1 Glenfield United U18.
Tuesday, 4 December 2012
'Tis the season to be ruthless
While we all put on a few pounds stuffing our face with mince pies and cold turkey sandwiches, football managers are busy preparing for the busiest and one of the most important stages of the season.
Leicester manager Nigel Pearson is no exception. Following Saturday's 4-1 win against local rivals Derby, which Pearson described as the best game of the season, City moved up to third in the Championship table. And while they are keen to close the five point gap to leaders Cardiff City, they must also be wary of the chasing pack behind them.
The Foxes have a three point cushion in the playoffs, but with the likes of in form Watford, Millwall and Leeds climbing up the table unnoticed, Leicester must continue their steady if not spectacular recent form.
The Christmas schedule sees Leicester host Barnsley on 8th December, before facing three of the current top seven. They travel to Millwall on 15th December, where by that time the Lions could be on a 14 match unbeaten run if they avoid defeat against Ipswich this weekend.
A week later, Leicester return home to face Cardiff and then on Boxing Day travel to Hull. The final game of the year is also on the road, making the trip to Lancashire to face Burnley, while the first game of 2013 is at home to Huddersfield on New Years Day.
But how crucial was the festive period for teams who went on to get promotion in the past few seasons? And what is Leicester's recent record over Christmas?
2011/12
Reading went on to win the nPower Championship last season, but weren't amongst the front runners at Christmas last year. The Royals were 10th at this stage, but four wins out of four to end 2011 against West Ham, Leeds, Brighton and Ipswich saw them finish the year in the playoffs. Those four results appeared to galvanise their season as they went on to only lose four games for the rest of the season.
As for Leicester, last Christmas wasn't the season of good will. A home draw against Peterborough was followed by defeat at Doncaster before two home draws against Ipswich and Portsmouth. 2012 started well though, with a 2-1 win at Crystal Palace.
2010/11
Queens Park Rangers went on to be champions in the 2010/11 season, after spending all but two matchdays in top spot. However, Christmas was probably the R's worst spell of the season, losing three of their five games. Their first defeat of the season came on the 10th December at home to Watford and in true London bus fashion, lost at Leeds the following week. They bounced back with resounding wins against Swansea and Coventry respectively before starting 2011 with a defeat at Norwich who later joined them in returning to the Premier League.
Under Sven Goran-Eriksson, Christmas got off to the perfect start for Leicester with a 5-1 win against Doncaster. The infamous snow game against Ipswich live on Sky saw them lose 3-0 before drawing 2-2 against Leeds on Boxing Day. A defeat at Millwall was quickly forgotten as two wins to start 2011 against Hull and Swansea proved to be the beginning of an eight match unbeaten run which saw Leicester flirt with the playoffs before faltering.
2009/10
If QPR comfortably won the Championship in 2010/11, then Newcastle did it without breaking sweat a season earlier. The Toon amassed a total of 102 points, finishing 23 points ahead of third placed Nottingham Forest and only losing four games all season. They did stutter somewhat over the festive period, although they did remain unbeaten. A 2-2 draw at Barnsley preceeded a 2-0 win against local rivals Middlesbrough. Boxing Day saw another 2-2 at Hillsborough and then a goalless draw against Derby rounded off 2009.
Leicester's Christmas schedule was hit by bad weather, with games at Cardiff and Doncaster both postponed. However, the two games that were played reeped six points against both Sheffield clubs. A 3-0 win against Wednesday, largely thanks to two Andy King goals saw the Foxes consolidate their playoff position. Another Sky game on Boxing Day then saw the red side of the steel city beaten as goals from Michael Morrison and Matty Fryatt were enough to see off Sheffield United 2-1.
So recent history tells us that games over Christmas aren't make or break for a team's season. But if Leicester have any aspirations of promotion this season, then a healthy points return between now and the start of 2013 could prove to be the springboard for a promotion push come the end of the season.
Leicester manager Nigel Pearson is no exception. Following Saturday's 4-1 win against local rivals Derby, which Pearson described as the best game of the season, City moved up to third in the Championship table. And while they are keen to close the five point gap to leaders Cardiff City, they must also be wary of the chasing pack behind them.
The Foxes have a three point cushion in the playoffs, but with the likes of in form Watford, Millwall and Leeds climbing up the table unnoticed, Leicester must continue their steady if not spectacular recent form.
The Christmas schedule sees Leicester host Barnsley on 8th December, before facing three of the current top seven. They travel to Millwall on 15th December, where by that time the Lions could be on a 14 match unbeaten run if they avoid defeat against Ipswich this weekend.
A week later, Leicester return home to face Cardiff and then on Boxing Day travel to Hull. The final game of the year is also on the road, making the trip to Lancashire to face Burnley, while the first game of 2013 is at home to Huddersfield on New Years Day.
But how crucial was the festive period for teams who went on to get promotion in the past few seasons? And what is Leicester's recent record over Christmas?
2011/12
Reading went on to win the nPower Championship last season, but weren't amongst the front runners at Christmas last year. The Royals were 10th at this stage, but four wins out of four to end 2011 against West Ham, Leeds, Brighton and Ipswich saw them finish the year in the playoffs. Those four results appeared to galvanise their season as they went on to only lose four games for the rest of the season.
As for Leicester, last Christmas wasn't the season of good will. A home draw against Peterborough was followed by defeat at Doncaster before two home draws against Ipswich and Portsmouth. 2012 started well though, with a 2-1 win at Crystal Palace.
2010/11
Queens Park Rangers went on to be champions in the 2010/11 season, after spending all but two matchdays in top spot. However, Christmas was probably the R's worst spell of the season, losing three of their five games. Their first defeat of the season came on the 10th December at home to Watford and in true London bus fashion, lost at Leeds the following week. They bounced back with resounding wins against Swansea and Coventry respectively before starting 2011 with a defeat at Norwich who later joined them in returning to the Premier League.
 |
| Ipswich beat Leicester 3-0 in December 2010 at a snow covered Portman Road. |
2009/10
If QPR comfortably won the Championship in 2010/11, then Newcastle did it without breaking sweat a season earlier. The Toon amassed a total of 102 points, finishing 23 points ahead of third placed Nottingham Forest and only losing four games all season. They did stutter somewhat over the festive period, although they did remain unbeaten. A 2-2 draw at Barnsley preceeded a 2-0 win against local rivals Middlesbrough. Boxing Day saw another 2-2 at Hillsborough and then a goalless draw against Derby rounded off 2009.
Leicester's Christmas schedule was hit by bad weather, with games at Cardiff and Doncaster both postponed. However, the two games that were played reeped six points against both Sheffield clubs. A 3-0 win against Wednesday, largely thanks to two Andy King goals saw the Foxes consolidate their playoff position. Another Sky game on Boxing Day then saw the red side of the steel city beaten as goals from Michael Morrison and Matty Fryatt were enough to see off Sheffield United 2-1.
So recent history tells us that games over Christmas aren't make or break for a team's season. But if Leicester have any aspirations of promotion this season, then a healthy points return between now and the start of 2013 could prove to be the springboard for a promotion push come the end of the season.
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