Leicester City have been impressive in the Champions League, but their League form has been the exact opposite. They will be hosting Middleborough at King Power Stadium tomorrow in matchday 13 of the Premier League. They have already qualified for the round of 16 in the Champions League but must pick up their game in the Premier League as soon as possible or they could be dragged into the relegation battle. It will ironic if the surprise champions from last season drop into the drop zone.
The Foxes have won just two of their last six games in all competitions while Boro have won just one out of their last six. However, Boro have drawn with Manchester City and Arsenal in the process and lost only 1-0 to Chelsea last weekend. Aitor Karanka’s side are placed just one behind Leicester City in the table but will fancy their chances against the Foxes.
Middlesbrough have shown an excellent defensive organisation on their comeback season to the Premier League but their finishing has been a letdown with their marquee signing Alvaro Negredo struggling for goals.
Team news
Leicester City
Leicester will miss their influential midfielder Danny Drinkwater against Boro after the FA charged him with violent conduct which sidelines him for three games. Kasper Schmeichel, Ben Chilwell and Nampalys Mendy are out with injuries. Islam Slimani is a minor doubt for the game with a groin injury but should play through it.
Middlesbrough
It is almost a clean bill of health for Boro. Only George Friend is missing with an injury.
Predicted lineups
Leicester City (4-4-2): Zieler; Simpson, Morgan, Huth, Fuchs; Mahrez, King, Amartey, Albrighton; Slimani, Vardy
Middlesbrough (4-3-3): Valdes; Barragan, Chambers, Gibson, Fabio; Clayton, Forshaw, De Roon; Traore, Negredo, Ramirez
Key players
Leicester City- Riyad Mahrez
The Algerian superstar has been pretty sub-par this season in the Premier League compared to his usual standards. Just two goals and one assist from 12 games is far from good enough and against a deep sitting team like Boro, Mahrez will again find it hard. But if anyone can muster a brilliant skill and create something from nothing, it’s him.
Boro- Adama Traore
The Spanish young winger has been a real spark for Boro in recent weeks. Even though he is yet to score or assist in eight games so far this season, he is a menace every time he gets the ball. The 20-year-old has completed as many as 5.9 dribbles every game this season which is remarkable. All the youngster needs to do is to improve his decision making.
Odds
Leicester 10/11
Draw 13/5
Middlesbrough 15/4
