While everyone's attention tonight will be focussed on the last few hours of the January transfer window, Leicester City and Wolves will be battling it out in a Midlands derby infront of the Sky Sports cameras.
It's been a disappointing last year for the visitors, with four managers at the helm during that period. Much to some people's surprise Mick McCarthy was sacked with the team deeply involved in a relegation battle.
Even more surprising was the eventual decision to replace the Yorkshireman with his assistant Terry Connor. He couldn't prevent the West Midlands outfit getting relegated, but many thought they would bounce back with new players and a new manager in Stale Solbakken. But the Norwegian was sacked earlier this month following their FA Cup defeat to non-league Luton Town, so now former Welsh international Dean Saunders is the man charged with turning their fortunes around.
It won't be easy though. Currently on a nine game streak without a win, Wolves lie in 19th and are just five points off the relegation zone. Following Saturday's 2-1 home defeat to Blackpool, Saunders said that he has to get a couple of wins to pull away from the bottom three. Things don't get much harder in the Championship though than a trip to the King Power Stadium.
Leicester are unbeaten since Boxing Day in all competitions and are the only team in the second tier to still have a 100% record in 2013. The Foxes also have the best defence in the division (23 goals conceded in 28 games) and are joint top home scorers (33 goals in 14 games).
City are second in the Championship table and also second in the form table, while Wolves are bottom. On paper, it looks like a simple home win. But as we have seen in the Championship throughout the seasons, the form book is thrown out of the window.
Team news
Leicester's Anthony Knockaert is a major doubt after missing Saturday's FA Cup tie with Huddersfield with an ankle injury.
Manager Nigel Pearson made six changes for that game, so the likes of Chris Wood, David Nugent and Danny Drinkwater are all expected to be restored to the starting line up.
Defender Sean St Ledger has returned to action following his hamstring injury but this game will come too soon for the Irish international. Zak Whitbread remains sidelined with a calf injury.
Wolves will be without centre-back Roger Johnson as he serves a three match ban following his red card against Blackpool on Saturday.
Defender Stephen Ward is fit, but Razak Boukari, Stephen Hunt, Steve Mouyokolo, Wayne Hennessey and George Elokobi are all out.
What the managers say
Leicester boss Nigel Pearson: "For us, Thursday is another opportunity to get ahead of our opponents. If we get the right result, we can put pressure on the teams around us.
"We know they have some good players, but we have to make sure our performance is right.
"We can't spend too much time concerning ourselves with the opposition and their status, but we're aware of the players they have."
Wolves manager Dean Saunders: "When you're not winning games, players lose confidence.
"When you're on a losing run, you wonder where the next goal is coming from, where the next performance is coming from, you worry that the we're not playing very well and the players don't feel sharp.
"I'd rather look at the positives from Saturday - the first half performance was the best we've had since I've been here."
Match odds
Leicester (4/9) Draw (100/30) Wolves (6/1)
Leicester to win 3-0 (10/1) 2-2 draw (18/1) Wolves to win 2-1 (18/1)
Chris Wood to score first and Leicester to win 2-0 (20/1) Sylvain Ebanks-Blake to score first (8/1)
Thursday, 31 January 2013
Friday, 25 January 2013
Huddersfield Town v Leicester City - Match Preview
Leicester City take a break from their league programme on Saturday when they travel to managerless Huddersfield in the Fourth Round of the FA Cup.
The Terriers sacked manager Simon Grayson on Thursday after going 12 games without a win in the Championship and less than a year in charge. During that time he guided Huddersfield out of League One after beating Sheffield United in the playoff final, finishing an 11-year absence from the second tier of English football.
Academy coaches Mark Lillis and Steve Eyre will take charge of this game and will be without Jermaine Beckford and Neil Danns as both are ineligible to play against their parent club.
Winger Danny Ward (foot) and defender Joel Lynch (hamstring) both remain sidelined, while midfielder Adam Clayton is a doubt after sustaining a knee injury in last weekend's 4-0 defeat at Watford.
Keith Southern replaced the Northern Irish international during that game and could start, while Oliver Norwood and Scott Arfield are also options.
Nigel Pearson has said that he is likely to make changes for the trip to Yorkshire with Andy King, Lloyd Dyer and Martyn Waghorn all possible starters.
Defenders Sean St Ledger and Zak Whitbread remain out with hamstring and calf injuries respectively, so Wes Morgan and Michael Keane are likely to start at centre back. Liam Moore is also an option.
Academy striker Joe Dodoo has been named in the squad, while midfielder Richie Wellens is fully fit after recovering from his knee injury.
This will be the third time both teams have met this season, with the Foxes running out victorious both times in memorable fashion. A 2-0 win at the John Smith's Stadium in October saw Anthony Knockaert score two goal of the season contenders, while the start of 2013 was heralded in with a 6-1 win at the King Power Stadium as debutant Chris Wood bagged a brace.
Huddersfield Town caretaker manager Mark Lillis: "There are no points to play for on Saturday, so perhaps the pressure is less, but it is an FA Cup tie with a view to getting into the Fifth Round.
"In the end it's important because it's a game of football for Huddersfield Town. I've had 14 years here now as a player and now a coach. When I played here I wasn't the best player, but I knew that if I put a shift in the players would get behind me and we've challenged the players to do that.
"Leicester are near the top of the League; they're a good outfit. They have a good, experienced manager and have some real athletes in their team. It will be a hard game."
Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson: "We have played them twice this season and we will have to put on a professional performance because they will want a response.
"Both sides will be aware of each other's strengths and weaknesses but, in cup competitions, on any given day, strange things can happen. You've got to be mentally prepared for the game, but also go out and make sure you perform.
"It will be a different game to the last time we played them in that they will be more positive at home and they will want to put on a good show. We've got to be right for it."
Match odds: Huddersfield (7/2) Draw (11/4) Leicester (8/11)
Huddersfield to win 2-1 (12/1) 0-0 Draw (14/1) Leicester to win 3-1 (12/1)
James Vaughan to score first (7/1) Anthony Knockaert to score a brace (20/1)
The Terriers sacked manager Simon Grayson on Thursday after going 12 games without a win in the Championship and less than a year in charge. During that time he guided Huddersfield out of League One after beating Sheffield United in the playoff final, finishing an 11-year absence from the second tier of English football.
Academy coaches Mark Lillis and Steve Eyre will take charge of this game and will be without Jermaine Beckford and Neil Danns as both are ineligible to play against their parent club.
Winger Danny Ward (foot) and defender Joel Lynch (hamstring) both remain sidelined, while midfielder Adam Clayton is a doubt after sustaining a knee injury in last weekend's 4-0 defeat at Watford.
Keith Southern replaced the Northern Irish international during that game and could start, while Oliver Norwood and Scott Arfield are also options.
Nigel Pearson has said that he is likely to make changes for the trip to Yorkshire with Andy King, Lloyd Dyer and Martyn Waghorn all possible starters.
Defenders Sean St Ledger and Zak Whitbread remain out with hamstring and calf injuries respectively, so Wes Morgan and Michael Keane are likely to start at centre back. Liam Moore is also an option.
Academy striker Joe Dodoo has been named in the squad, while midfielder Richie Wellens is fully fit after recovering from his knee injury.
This will be the third time both teams have met this season, with the Foxes running out victorious both times in memorable fashion. A 2-0 win at the John Smith's Stadium in October saw Anthony Knockaert score two goal of the season contenders, while the start of 2013 was heralded in with a 6-1 win at the King Power Stadium as debutant Chris Wood bagged a brace.
Huddersfield Town caretaker manager Mark Lillis: "There are no points to play for on Saturday, so perhaps the pressure is less, but it is an FA Cup tie with a view to getting into the Fifth Round.
"In the end it's important because it's a game of football for Huddersfield Town. I've had 14 years here now as a player and now a coach. When I played here I wasn't the best player, but I knew that if I put a shift in the players would get behind me and we've challenged the players to do that.
"Leicester are near the top of the League; they're a good outfit. They have a good, experienced manager and have some real athletes in their team. It will be a hard game."
Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson: "We have played them twice this season and we will have to put on a professional performance because they will want a response.
"Both sides will be aware of each other's strengths and weaknesses but, in cup competitions, on any given day, strange things can happen. You've got to be mentally prepared for the game, but also go out and make sure you perform.
"It will be a different game to the last time we played them in that they will be more positive at home and they will want to put on a good show. We've got to be right for it."
Match odds: Huddersfield (7/2) Draw (11/4) Leicester (8/11)
Huddersfield to win 2-1 (12/1) 0-0 Draw (14/1) Leicester to win 3-1 (12/1)
James Vaughan to score first (7/1) Anthony Knockaert to score a brace (20/1)
Thursday, 17 January 2013
Leicester City v Middlesbrough - Match Preview
Leicester City welcome promotion rivals Middlesbrough to the King Power Stadium looking to make it five wins in a row in front of the Sky Sports cameras on Friday night.
Following last weekend's emphatic 4-0 win over Bristol City, the Foxes moved above Boro in the Championship table and could be in an automatic promotion place on Friday night if they win.
Nigel Pearson is likely to name an unchaged team after last Saturday's win so Anthony Knockaert should start despite being substituted early in the last game as a precaution.
Chris Wood, with six goals in his first three games in a City shirt following his move from West Brom, will partner David Nugent upfront, while Wes Morgan and Michael Keane should continue their partnership at centre back.
Fellow defenders Sean St Ledger (hamstring) and Zak Whitbread (calf) remain sidelined, but Jamie Vardy is pushing for a place on the bench after recovering from his heel injury.
Middlesbrough could welcome back striker Marvin Emnes (hamstring) and defenders Andre Bikey (hamstring) and Justin Hoyte (hip).
The trio have been out for several games but returned to training this week, and providing they don't report any ill effects, should make the trip. However, the game will come too soon for Jonathan Woodgate.
Striker Ishmael Miller and midfielder Josh McEachran face late fitness tests after they both limped out during Saturday's loss to Watford.
Miller has a hamstring problem, while Chelsea loanee McEachran aggrevated his ankle.
Boro go into the game on the back of two consecutive league defeats and have lost seven of their 13 league games so far on their travels.
Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson: "At the moment it's about keeping our focus on getting performances right, because we know we have good players.
"There's no getting away from the fact that the players have been performing well. Against Bristol City, we have played better than that this season, but we were able to get an emphatic win, which is really important for us at the moment.
"Middlesbrough are having a really good season. Tony is very thorough with his preparation and they will be a difficult nut to crack."
Middlesbrough boss Tony Mowbray: "We've had a tough two or three weeks with players being unavailable but every team's the same and we have to get on with it.
"We have a few back and a few options and it's looking better on the selection front than it was a few weeks ago."
Match odds: Leicester (4/6) Draw (11/4) Middlesbrough (4/1)
Leicester to win 3-1 (11/1) 2-2 draw (13/2) Middlesbrough to win 2-1 (12/1)
Chris Wood to score a brace (4/1) Scott McDonald to score first (7/1)
Following last weekend's emphatic 4-0 win over Bristol City, the Foxes moved above Boro in the Championship table and could be in an automatic promotion place on Friday night if they win.
Nigel Pearson is likely to name an unchaged team after last Saturday's win so Anthony Knockaert should start despite being substituted early in the last game as a precaution.
Chris Wood, with six goals in his first three games in a City shirt following his move from West Brom, will partner David Nugent upfront, while Wes Morgan and Michael Keane should continue their partnership at centre back.
Fellow defenders Sean St Ledger (hamstring) and Zak Whitbread (calf) remain sidelined, but Jamie Vardy is pushing for a place on the bench after recovering from his heel injury.
Middlesbrough could welcome back striker Marvin Emnes (hamstring) and defenders Andre Bikey (hamstring) and Justin Hoyte (hip).
The trio have been out for several games but returned to training this week, and providing they don't report any ill effects, should make the trip. However, the game will come too soon for Jonathan Woodgate.
Striker Ishmael Miller and midfielder Josh McEachran face late fitness tests after they both limped out during Saturday's loss to Watford.
Miller has a hamstring problem, while Chelsea loanee McEachran aggrevated his ankle.
Boro go into the game on the back of two consecutive league defeats and have lost seven of their 13 league games so far on their travels.
Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson: "At the moment it's about keeping our focus on getting performances right, because we know we have good players.
"There's no getting away from the fact that the players have been performing well. Against Bristol City, we have played better than that this season, but we were able to get an emphatic win, which is really important for us at the moment.
"Middlesbrough are having a really good season. Tony is very thorough with his preparation and they will be a difficult nut to crack."
Middlesbrough boss Tony Mowbray: "We've had a tough two or three weeks with players being unavailable but every team's the same and we have to get on with it.
"We have a few back and a few options and it's looking better on the selection front than it was a few weeks ago."
Match odds: Leicester (4/6) Draw (11/4) Middlesbrough (4/1)
Leicester to win 3-1 (11/1) 2-2 draw (13/2) Middlesbrough to win 2-1 (12/1)
Chris Wood to score a brace (4/1) Scott McDonald to score first (7/1)
Monday, 14 January 2013
Glenfield United Weekly Review: 13/01/2013
The cold weather from Saturday evening led to several Glenfield United games being called off the following day, with both under seven home games and the under nine Tigers game at Anstey postponed.
However, five games that did go ahead on Sunday, including Glenfield United 2005 U14's who welcomed third placed Saffron Dynamo Juniors to Gynsill Lane.
After a pretty even first half but nothing to report on, it looked as if the sides would be going in at half time goalless. But two goals in the final three minutes for the visitors, the first coming in fortuitous circumstances, changed the complex of the game.
Firstly, a run down the right wing by number 16 didn't appear to cause any danger to the Glenfield goal. He reached the byline before crossing in a hopeful ball which went over the 'keeper and in off the left hand post.
The second goal came at the end of the half, as number 17 had a shot from the edge of the area, which again went in with some assistance from the post.
Despite the double blow, Glenfield were still in the game and came close to reducing the arrears ten minutes into the second half. Luke Savage hit a long range strike which beat the Shepshed 'keeper but hit the bar as the woodwork again did the visitors a favour.
To rub salt into the wounds, Shepshed added a third minutes later as a cross from the right was headed in by number 16 for his second of the game.
Glenfield weren't disheartened though and caused Shepshed some problems during the last 20 minutes of the game. They got a goal which there performance and perseverance deserved inside the last ten minutes as Joseph Dolman scored from inside the area.
But any chance of a comeback were stifled when Shepshed added a fourth two minutes from full time as number 17 got his second. A pacy run into box saw him hold off the defenders challenge and although his first shot got saved, he tucked away the rebound.
The final word went to the Glenfield 'keeper though after Shepshed were awarded a penalty. Number 12 stepped up and shot to the left of the 'keeper who palmed it away, before denying number seven with his legs.
The 4-1 win means Shepshed move up to second in the table, while Glenfield remain eighth. United have the perfect chance to exact revenge when the sides meet in the reverse fixture next week.
Glenfield United Under 18's were looking to build on their spirited performance from last Sunday in the defeat to Friar Lane as they travelled to Leicester Bharat.
It wasn't the best of starts for Glenfield though as the hosts went 2-0 up, the second a screamer from number 10 from 35 yards.
They responded well though and got a goal back midway through the first half. A Jake Seaton shot was saved but Junior Banjo pounced, rounding the keeper and slotting into an empty net.
The same duo then combined for Glenfield's equaliser before half time. A through ball from winger Seaton unleashed Banjo who rounded the 'keeper again and scored.
But just a couple of minutes into the second half Glenfield were behind again as they were punished for failing to clear a corner.
United then equalised for the second time in the game and Banjo got his hat-trick in a similar fashion to his first two, breaking away from the defence and finishing calmly.
And for the first time Glenfield took the lead. Jacob Parkes outpaced the Bharat left back before powering an effort from an acute angle and into the net.
The scoring was complete as that man Banjo got his fourth to give Glenfield a 5-3 victory which leaves them ninth in the table but closes the gap on Bharat, the team above them, to just two points. They host sixth placed Houghton Rangers next weekend looking to continue a good start to 2013.
Finally, Glenfield United Under 14's County Cup run came to an end on Sunday as they lost 3-2 at Blaby & Whetstone. United, with just 11 players to call upon and no substitutes, were 2-0 up at half time, but the hosts came back to book their place in the semi finals.
Glenfield United results: Glenfield United Hawks U7 P-P Oadby Owls Hawks U7, Glenfield United Foxes U7 P-P Kirby Muxloe Kings U7, Fleckney Athletic U9 3-2 Glenfield United Lions U9, Anstey Swifts Storm P-P Glenfield United Tigers U9, Glenfield United U12 9v9 9-0 Loughborough Dynamo U12 9v9, Blaby & Whetstone BC FC U14 3-2 Glenfield United U14, Glenfield United 2005 U14 1-4 Saffron Dynamo Juniors U14, Leicester Bharat U18 3-5 Glenfield United U18.
However, five games that did go ahead on Sunday, including Glenfield United 2005 U14's who welcomed third placed Saffron Dynamo Juniors to Gynsill Lane.
After a pretty even first half but nothing to report on, it looked as if the sides would be going in at half time goalless. But two goals in the final three minutes for the visitors, the first coming in fortuitous circumstances, changed the complex of the game.
Firstly, a run down the right wing by number 16 didn't appear to cause any danger to the Glenfield goal. He reached the byline before crossing in a hopeful ball which went over the 'keeper and in off the left hand post.
The second goal came at the end of the half, as number 17 had a shot from the edge of the area, which again went in with some assistance from the post.
Despite the double blow, Glenfield were still in the game and came close to reducing the arrears ten minutes into the second half. Luke Savage hit a long range strike which beat the Shepshed 'keeper but hit the bar as the woodwork again did the visitors a favour.
To rub salt into the wounds, Shepshed added a third minutes later as a cross from the right was headed in by number 16 for his second of the game.
Glenfield weren't disheartened though and caused Shepshed some problems during the last 20 minutes of the game. They got a goal which there performance and perseverance deserved inside the last ten minutes as Joseph Dolman scored from inside the area.
But any chance of a comeback were stifled when Shepshed added a fourth two minutes from full time as number 17 got his second. A pacy run into box saw him hold off the defenders challenge and although his first shot got saved, he tucked away the rebound.
The final word went to the Glenfield 'keeper though after Shepshed were awarded a penalty. Number 12 stepped up and shot to the left of the 'keeper who palmed it away, before denying number seven with his legs.
The 4-1 win means Shepshed move up to second in the table, while Glenfield remain eighth. United have the perfect chance to exact revenge when the sides meet in the reverse fixture next week.
Glenfield United Under 18's were looking to build on their spirited performance from last Sunday in the defeat to Friar Lane as they travelled to Leicester Bharat.
It wasn't the best of starts for Glenfield though as the hosts went 2-0 up, the second a screamer from number 10 from 35 yards.
They responded well though and got a goal back midway through the first half. A Jake Seaton shot was saved but Junior Banjo pounced, rounding the keeper and slotting into an empty net.
The same duo then combined for Glenfield's equaliser before half time. A through ball from winger Seaton unleashed Banjo who rounded the 'keeper again and scored.
But just a couple of minutes into the second half Glenfield were behind again as they were punished for failing to clear a corner.
United then equalised for the second time in the game and Banjo got his hat-trick in a similar fashion to his first two, breaking away from the defence and finishing calmly.
And for the first time Glenfield took the lead. Jacob Parkes outpaced the Bharat left back before powering an effort from an acute angle and into the net.
The scoring was complete as that man Banjo got his fourth to give Glenfield a 5-3 victory which leaves them ninth in the table but closes the gap on Bharat, the team above them, to just two points. They host sixth placed Houghton Rangers next weekend looking to continue a good start to 2013.
Finally, Glenfield United Under 14's County Cup run came to an end on Sunday as they lost 3-2 at Blaby & Whetstone. United, with just 11 players to call upon and no substitutes, were 2-0 up at half time, but the hosts came back to book their place in the semi finals.
Glenfield United results: Glenfield United Hawks U7 P-P Oadby Owls Hawks U7, Glenfield United Foxes U7 P-P Kirby Muxloe Kings U7, Fleckney Athletic U9 3-2 Glenfield United Lions U9, Anstey Swifts Storm P-P Glenfield United Tigers U9, Glenfield United U12 9v9 9-0 Loughborough Dynamo U12 9v9, Blaby & Whetstone BC FC U14 3-2 Glenfield United U14, Glenfield United 2005 U14 1-4 Saffron Dynamo Juniors U14, Leicester Bharat U18 3-5 Glenfield United U18.
Friday, 11 January 2013
Bristol City v Leicester City - Match Preview
Leicester travel to Bristol City on Saturday, looking to continue their good form with a fourth consecutive win in all competitions.
But although the hosts are just one place and one point off the bottom of the Championship table, they do have a good record against Leicester, losing only twice in the last eight meetings.
Last week's 2-0 victory against Burton Albion in the FA Cup saw manager Nigel Pearson rest a few key players, and all are set to return for the trip to Ashton Gate.
David Nugent should partner Chris Wood up front, while Anthony Knockaert is also likely to start after his superb performance in the last league game against Huddersfield on New Years Day.
The Foxes could also welcome back Jamie Vardy. The striker has been absent with a heel injury sustained in the defeat to Cardiff before Christmas and is likely to have a place on the bench.
However, defenders Sean St Ledger (hamstring) and Zak Whitbread (calf) are still out, meaning Wes Morgan and Man United loanee Michael Keane are set to continue as a centre back partnership.
Bristol City welcome back striker Sam Baldock after missing the FA Cup tie against Blackburn last week with a knee injury.
Midfielder Liam Kelly could make his debut after signing from Kilmarnock on Thursday for £200,000, but winger Martyn Woolford has left the club, signing for Championship rivals Millwall.
Joe Bryan has recovered from a hip injury and could feature, but the Robins will be without Marvin Elliott (groin) and Albert Adomah who is at the African Nations Cup with Ghana.
Bristol City manager Derek McInnes: "When we last played them I felt they were one of the best sides in the league.
"If we allow them to get their tails up they can be a formidable team and they proved that when they dispatched Huddersfield last time out.
"We feel we can cause them problems, but we must make it difficult for them to play or we will have our work cut out."
Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson: "It's another potential banana skin in that it's a game people will expect us to do well in, given the league positions of both sides.
"But it's not been too happy a place for us to go in recent years, so we’ll want to rectify that.
"We know that they are desperate to get results, certainly at home they're a different proposition and they've been involved in games with plenty of goals.
“We have players that are playing pretty well, good competition in the squad and it's important we go there with a positive mind-set and look to build on what we've done in the last couple of weeks.”
Match odds:
Bristol City (7/2) Draw (11/4) Leicester (8/11)
Bristol City to win 3-2 (33/1) 2-2 draw (12/1) Leicester to win 2-0 (8/1)
Sam Baldock to score first (7/1) Chris Wood to score a hat trick (25/1)
But although the hosts are just one place and one point off the bottom of the Championship table, they do have a good record against Leicester, losing only twice in the last eight meetings.
Last week's 2-0 victory against Burton Albion in the FA Cup saw manager Nigel Pearson rest a few key players, and all are set to return for the trip to Ashton Gate.
David Nugent should partner Chris Wood up front, while Anthony Knockaert is also likely to start after his superb performance in the last league game against Huddersfield on New Years Day.
The Foxes could also welcome back Jamie Vardy. The striker has been absent with a heel injury sustained in the defeat to Cardiff before Christmas and is likely to have a place on the bench.
However, defenders Sean St Ledger (hamstring) and Zak Whitbread (calf) are still out, meaning Wes Morgan and Man United loanee Michael Keane are set to continue as a centre back partnership.
Bristol City welcome back striker Sam Baldock after missing the FA Cup tie against Blackburn last week with a knee injury.
Midfielder Liam Kelly could make his debut after signing from Kilmarnock on Thursday for £200,000, but winger Martyn Woolford has left the club, signing for Championship rivals Millwall.
Joe Bryan has recovered from a hip injury and could feature, but the Robins will be without Marvin Elliott (groin) and Albert Adomah who is at the African Nations Cup with Ghana.
Bristol City manager Derek McInnes: "When we last played them I felt they were one of the best sides in the league.
"If we allow them to get their tails up they can be a formidable team and they proved that when they dispatched Huddersfield last time out.
"We feel we can cause them problems, but we must make it difficult for them to play or we will have our work cut out."
Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson: "It's another potential banana skin in that it's a game people will expect us to do well in, given the league positions of both sides.
"But it's not been too happy a place for us to go in recent years, so we’ll want to rectify that.
"We know that they are desperate to get results, certainly at home they're a different proposition and they've been involved in games with plenty of goals.
“We have players that are playing pretty well, good competition in the squad and it's important we go there with a positive mind-set and look to build on what we've done in the last couple of weeks.”
Match odds:
Bristol City (7/2) Draw (11/4) Leicester (8/11)
Bristol City to win 3-2 (33/1) 2-2 draw (12/1) Leicester to win 2-0 (8/1)
Sam Baldock to score first (7/1) Chris Wood to score a hat trick (25/1)
Tuesday, 8 January 2013
Capital One Cup Semi Final First Leg Previews
Four teams remain in the Capital One Cup, a trophy which has already served up its fair share of drama, shock and magic.
The story of the season so far has been League Two side Bradford City beating giants Arsenal on penalties in the last round.
It wasn't just the Gunners though who have been shocked by Phil Parkinson's men. Since the first round they have beaten teams in the three divisions above them, including another top flight opponent, Wigan Athletic.
The cup run has also secured the club's short term future, with the semi finals alone bringing in £1m in gate receipts and lucrative television money.
They are now just 180 minutes from Wembley, and face an Aston Villa side who are certainly vulnerable as Parkinson suggests: "We have to take advantage of the fact they've conceded a lot of goals," Parkinson told BBC Radio Leeds.
"It doesn't matter what level you play at, if you concede that number of goals then there is a vulnerability there, confidence-wise"
Villa conceded 15 goals in three games over Christmas, although a corner could well be turning after a 2-2 draw at Swansea was followed by progression in the FA Cup after seeing off Ipswich Town.
But the Midlands side have good pedigree in this competition, winning it five times including the inaugral competition in 1961.
This season they have knocked out Manchester City and Norwich, and manager Paul Lambert said a trip to Wembley would be "extraordinary"
The Scot said: "For this club to get to Wembley again would be extraordinary."
"In a one-off game there you just never know what could happen. I think every player would tell you it would be absolutely phenomenal."
The other semi final sees favourites Chelsea take on Swansea City, with the Welsh side again impressing neutrals with their slick passing style under Michael Laudrup.
Should the Swans overcome Chelsea, it will be the first cup final in their history and a return to Wembley since beating Reading in the Championship playoff final in 2011 to gain promotion to the Premier League.
Chelsea go into the game on the back of a 5-1 victory at Southampton in the FA Cup, with new signing Demba Ba scoring twice on his debut.
And the striker is eligible to play in Wednesday's game, giving Rafael Benitez a selection dilema over Ba and £50m striker Fernando Torres.
The likes of Eden Hazard and Juan Mata are likely to start as Chelsea target their first trophy in five attempts this season after losing out in the Community Shield, European Super Cup and Club World Championship as well as being knocked out of the Champions League.
Capital One Cup Semi Final First Legs: Tuesday 8 January - Bradford City v Aston Villa. Wednesday 9 January - Chelsea v Swansea City
The story of the season so far has been League Two side Bradford City beating giants Arsenal on penalties in the last round.
It wasn't just the Gunners though who have been shocked by Phil Parkinson's men. Since the first round they have beaten teams in the three divisions above them, including another top flight opponent, Wigan Athletic.
The cup run has also secured the club's short term future, with the semi finals alone bringing in £1m in gate receipts and lucrative television money.
They are now just 180 minutes from Wembley, and face an Aston Villa side who are certainly vulnerable as Parkinson suggests: "We have to take advantage of the fact they've conceded a lot of goals," Parkinson told BBC Radio Leeds.
"It doesn't matter what level you play at, if you concede that number of goals then there is a vulnerability there, confidence-wise"
Villa conceded 15 goals in three games over Christmas, although a corner could well be turning after a 2-2 draw at Swansea was followed by progression in the FA Cup after seeing off Ipswich Town.
But the Midlands side have good pedigree in this competition, winning it five times including the inaugral competition in 1961.
This season they have knocked out Manchester City and Norwich, and manager Paul Lambert said a trip to Wembley would be "extraordinary"
The Scot said: "For this club to get to Wembley again would be extraordinary."
"In a one-off game there you just never know what could happen. I think every player would tell you it would be absolutely phenomenal."
The other semi final sees favourites Chelsea take on Swansea City, with the Welsh side again impressing neutrals with their slick passing style under Michael Laudrup.
Should the Swans overcome Chelsea, it will be the first cup final in their history and a return to Wembley since beating Reading in the Championship playoff final in 2011 to gain promotion to the Premier League.
Chelsea go into the game on the back of a 5-1 victory at Southampton in the FA Cup, with new signing Demba Ba scoring twice on his debut.
And the striker is eligible to play in Wednesday's game, giving Rafael Benitez a selection dilema over Ba and £50m striker Fernando Torres.
The likes of Eden Hazard and Juan Mata are likely to start as Chelsea target their first trophy in five attempts this season after losing out in the Community Shield, European Super Cup and Club World Championship as well as being knocked out of the Champions League.
Capital One Cup Semi Final First Legs: Tuesday 8 January - Bradford City v Aston Villa. Wednesday 9 January - Chelsea v Swansea City
Glenfield United Weekly Review: 06/01/2013
After a couple of weeks off over the festive period, six Glenfield United teams resumed action this weekend.
The Under 11 9v9 team kicked off 2013 with a clash against East Goscote. United went into the game 11th in the table, with the visitors just one place and three points ahead.
Glenfield put on some early pressure from the outset and were rewarded with two goals in the opening five minutes.
Firstly, a corner from the right fell to James Pye and the striker shot into the bottom left corner before a shot from the edge of the area by Ariyan Balana went under the keeper, hit the right hand post and sneaked over the line.
Pye then grabbed his second of the game halfway through the first half with a terrific goal. A superb solo run saw him go fast a couple of East Goscote defenders before finishing past the keeper.
It was a fantastic first half performance from Glenfield, far better than their league standing suggests, and they could have had more in the opening half an hour.
A fourth goal did come just a few minutes into the second half from the impressive Pattison Mafauna.
A powerful run from midfield saw him advance into the area before unleashing a powerful strike into the bottom corner.
The visitors scored a consolation ten minutes from time as number eight's run into the box was spotted by number five before shooting low into the net.
Glenfield almost restored their four goal lead immediately as midfielder Mafauna hit the bar with another strong effort.
United weren't to be denied though as Pye got his deserved hat-trick, with a similar goal to his second - another jinxing run from the middle of the park before finishing into the bottom left corner.
The win puts both sides on nine points, with Glenfield having a better goal difference.
The final game of the day saw Glenfield United Under 18's looking for their first home league win of the season as they took on fifth placed Friar Lane.
The visitors took the lead after 15 minutes. A cross from the right was met by the unmarked number 17 who took a touch in the box before firing a low shot into the bottom corner.
Glenfield didn't let their heads drop though and pushed for an equaliser which came halfway through the first half from the spot, Jake Seaton winning the penalty.
The winger took it himself and found the bottom corner with a confident left footed strike.
United were performing well against a side who are likely to be challenging for the title when the season comes to its conclusion, and their goal wasn't really troubled by the visitors.
The next goal wasn't until the hour mark, and it went to Friar Lane. The ball fell nicely to the visitors' number six in the area and he volleyed it into the bottom right corner.
Despite pushing for a second equaliser the visitors held on. It was a spirited performance from Glenfield, but they remain ninth in the table. Their next game is away to Leicester Bharat on Sunday, the team immediately above them.
Glenfield United results: Barrow Town Hawks U10 4-2 Glenfield United Tigers U10, Glenfield United U11 9v9 5-1 East Goscote Juniors U11 9v9, Glenfield United U14 2-6 Ravenstone Youth FC U14, FC Khalsa U14 5-1 Glenfield United 2005 U14, Karma FC U14 2-1 Glenfield United 2010 U14, Glenfield United U18 1-2 Friar Lane Junior & Youth FC U18.
The Under 11 9v9 team kicked off 2013 with a clash against East Goscote. United went into the game 11th in the table, with the visitors just one place and three points ahead.
Glenfield put on some early pressure from the outset and were rewarded with two goals in the opening five minutes.
Firstly, a corner from the right fell to James Pye and the striker shot into the bottom left corner before a shot from the edge of the area by Ariyan Balana went under the keeper, hit the right hand post and sneaked over the line.
Pye then grabbed his second of the game halfway through the first half with a terrific goal. A superb solo run saw him go fast a couple of East Goscote defenders before finishing past the keeper.
It was a fantastic first half performance from Glenfield, far better than their league standing suggests, and they could have had more in the opening half an hour.
A fourth goal did come just a few minutes into the second half from the impressive Pattison Mafauna.
A powerful run from midfield saw him advance into the area before unleashing a powerful strike into the bottom corner.
The visitors scored a consolation ten minutes from time as number eight's run into the box was spotted by number five before shooting low into the net.
Glenfield almost restored their four goal lead immediately as midfielder Mafauna hit the bar with another strong effort.
United weren't to be denied though as Pye got his deserved hat-trick, with a similar goal to his second - another jinxing run from the middle of the park before finishing into the bottom left corner.
The win puts both sides on nine points, with Glenfield having a better goal difference.
The final game of the day saw Glenfield United Under 18's looking for their first home league win of the season as they took on fifth placed Friar Lane.
The visitors took the lead after 15 minutes. A cross from the right was met by the unmarked number 17 who took a touch in the box before firing a low shot into the bottom corner.
Glenfield didn't let their heads drop though and pushed for an equaliser which came halfway through the first half from the spot, Jake Seaton winning the penalty.
The winger took it himself and found the bottom corner with a confident left footed strike.
United were performing well against a side who are likely to be challenging for the title when the season comes to its conclusion, and their goal wasn't really troubled by the visitors.
The next goal wasn't until the hour mark, and it went to Friar Lane. The ball fell nicely to the visitors' number six in the area and he volleyed it into the bottom right corner.
Despite pushing for a second equaliser the visitors held on. It was a spirited performance from Glenfield, but they remain ninth in the table. Their next game is away to Leicester Bharat on Sunday, the team immediately above them.
Glenfield United results: Barrow Town Hawks U10 4-2 Glenfield United Tigers U10, Glenfield United U11 9v9 5-1 East Goscote Juniors U11 9v9, Glenfield United U14 2-6 Ravenstone Youth FC U14, FC Khalsa U14 5-1 Glenfield United 2005 U14, Karma FC U14 2-1 Glenfield United 2010 U14, Glenfield United U18 1-2 Friar Lane Junior & Youth FC U18.
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