Leicester City host Swansea at the King Power Stadium as the defending Champions look to clock up their first 3 points of the season. The Foxes have had a pretty satisfying week as they fought out a well-earned draw against Arsenal before being smiled upon by Lady Luck as they drew the easiest group in the Champions League. They would be now looking to gather some sort of a momentum on the pitch as the league begins to warm up slowly.
PRE-MATCH FACTS
- Leicester City have been imperious against the Swans lately with three wins in their last 3 matches with 9 goals scored and none conceded.
- Swansea are winless in their last 12 away games at Leicester and have recorded 6 consecutive defeats before today’s match.
- Riyad Mahrez scored in both Premier League meetings with Swansea last season, netting a hat-trick at Liberty Stadium in December 2015 and one goal at the King Power Stadium in April 2016
TEAM NEWS
LEICESTER CITY
Claudio Ranieri will be bereft of the services of Nampalys Mendy after the player was ruled out with an ankle injury. He is likely to return after the international break. Joining Mendy in the treatment room is Jeffrey Schulpp who is suffering from a muscle injury.
SWANSEA CITY
Francesco Guidolin will be denied the services of club-record signing Borja Baston with the latter having been ruled out with a thigh injury. Elsewhere, Neil Taylor is building up his match fitness and has appeared for the Under-23 on Friday and hence will be unavailable for selection.
PREDICTED LINE-UPS
LEICESTER CITY (4-4-1-1)
Schmeichel- Simpson, Huth, Morgan, Fuchs- Mahrez, Drinkwater, King, Albrighton- Musa, Vardy
SWANSEA CITY (4-2-3-1)
Fabianski- Naughton, Fernandez, Amat, Kingsley- Cork, Fer- Barrow, Sigurdsson, Routledge- Llorente
KEY MEN
LEICESTER CITY
RIYAD MAHREZ- The first name which comes to mind when considering the clash between the Foxes and the Swans. Mahrez is yet to sparkle this season but with the potential and talent on offer, it is a matter of when and not if regarding Mahrez’s form. And what better match than against his likeable opposition to get the ball rolling for the season. The Algerian scored 4 goals against Swansea last season including a hat-trick and will be key in Leicester’s attempts at unlocking their defence.
SWANSEA CITY
FERNANDO LLORENTE- The Sevilla man has been one of the most impressive deals of the summer and along with Borja Baston will be expected to propel Swansea up the points table. But with Baston injured, the onus is on the Spain international to deliver the goods. He is yet to open his account in the Premier League and with Swansea seemingly struggling after 2-0 defeat at home against Hull City, the main men need to step up.
LIKELY OUTCOME
Though Leicester have had the upper hand on Swansea for a while now, things might be as straightforward this time around. Teams have analysed Leicester in detail and will be expected to come up with more focused defensive strategies than last season. With the home support and the presence of the likes of Vardy and Mahrez, Leicester are expected to edge ahead in the end.
T40 PREDICTION: 2-1 LEICESTER WIN
