Team News
Leicester City- Craig Shakespeare will get a huge boost as midfielder Nampalys Mendy returns to training from the knee injury that he incurred mid-March. His aggressive approach always gives the Foxes an upper hand.
On the negative front, centre-half and skipper Wes Morgan remains doubtful for the crucial clash with a back injury that the England international incurred just before Leicester’s last league game against West Ham United. Tunisian international Yohan Benalouane should continue to take his place alongside Robert Huth. Long-term injury list only has winter recruit Molla Wague, who is out for the season with a dislocated shoulder,
Stoke City- Mark Hughes will have a big relief owing to the return of first choice goalie Jack Butland. The English international hasn’t played a single game since early August with a broken ankle. Apart from him, the Wales manager has no new returns and will have the same squad at his disposal.
Stephen Ireland’s return date is still quite undetermined, who is recovering from a broken leg. Right-back, Glenn Johnson still looks to be recovering from the shoulder injury that he sustained early March. And a big problem for Hughes would be to replace someone in that position. The second choice right-back Phillip Bardsley remains suspended for one match after seeing two yellow cards last game.
Predicted Line-ups
Leicester City- Grant; Muniesa, Shawcross, Martins Indi, Pieters; Whelan, Imbula; Shaqiri, Allen, Arnautovic; Berahino.
Stoke City- Schmeichel; Fuchs, Huth, Benalouane, Simpson; Ndidi, Drinkwater; Albrighton, Okazaki, Mahrez; Vardy
Key Players
Leicester City- Jamie Vardy will undoubtedly be the fox in the box for Stoke City’s defence. The England international has got back his scoring touch after an underwhelming season so far and will be Leicester’s biggest weapon. He has scored eight goals so far and the boss will rely on him heavily to draw the first blood. Another difference-maker for Leicester would be their Japanese striker Shinji Okazaki. The 23-year-old has just netted his 50th international goal and is brimming with confidence.
Stoke City- Without a doubt, Xherdan Shaqiri will be the most unpredictable player against the Leicester defence. The Swiss international has a lethal left foot and could find the back of the net from impossible angles. Apart from him, the big framed Marko Arnautovic would be a concern for Leicester. The Austrian international has scored five times this season and could be a real threat from set-pieces. Joe Allen will be Hughes’ biggest weapon.
Betting Odds
Leicester City @ 2.05
Draw @ 3.50
Stoke City @ 4.00
