Leicester City’s form has fallen in the last few games as the defending champions are winless in the last three matches. The evolution under Craig Shakespeare’s guidance seemed to be over as they also crashed out from the Champions League after failing to overturn a 1-0 deficit in the first leg.
West Bromwich Albion have a point to prove as Tony Pulis’s side has been far from impressive in the last few matches. The Baggies have accumulated 44 points this season which is incidentally their highest tally so far in the Premier League history. Both the teams will be coming from a backdrop of defeats and will try to register their first win of late.
Allan Nyom vs Riyad Mahrez
Last season’s PFA player of the year hasn’t been at his best form until the last few matches. Leicester won the League last season and the Algerian winger had an important role to play. The Foxes started the season on a disastrous note as it was probably the worst defence of a Premier League title in recent times. They even had to part company with their title winning manager Claudio Ranieri after a poor run of games which brought assistant manager Craig Shakespeare to the charge of the club.
Shakespeare helped them immensely overturning the form and Mahrez who also had a similar shoddy start, brought back life to the club’s dreadful form as he appeared to get back to his groove. An in form Mahrez can break the opposition ranks with his breakthrough runs and interchange of passes. His combination with Jamie Vardy also hasn’t clicked so far which could be a reason for their downfall this season.
Swansea won their last match against Stoke and three points in this match would give them a lifeline to stay in the Premier League. Allan Nyom needs to take extra care of Mahrez as his pace and acceleration could create problems for the Baggies. He is the main supply line of the Foxes and Nyom needs to cut out it.
Jamie Vardy vs Johny Evans
The former Manchester United defender has been one of the most consistent performers for the Baggies side as the Baggies have been one of the most ferocious defensive sides of the Premier League. Evan’s cool nature and quick decision-making ability makes him a bit different from the other defenders. Evan couldn’t impress completely at the Old Trafford but has rejuvenated his career at the Hawthorns. The lanky defender uses his aerial ability beautifully to get the better of the opponent forwards.
When everybody just started to think that it was a mere fluke from Jamie Vardy, the forward has silenced his critics in a unique fashion. The England international has netted nine goals in the last 14 matches including international commitments. Evans will have a tough time dealing with Vardy.
