Leicester v Nottingham Forest – Match Preview, Team News and Prediction
Leicester City and Nottingham Forest are set to face-off against each other for the first top-flight East Midlands derby between the two clubs since 1999. In what had been a household rivalry for decades, both sides will be looking to make the most of the occasion and grab a much-needed three points.
In fact, it’s the battle of the bottom two in the Premier League.
The Foxes, who have been leading European football over the past few seasons, sit rock bottom with just a draw to show for their efforts. Six defeats in a row, goals dried up, and a defence characterised by disorganisation and lapses in concentration has put massive pressure on Brendan Rodgers.
They’ve allowed 22 goals in just seven matches thus far; sticking to the basics is the need of the hour as far as Leicester are concerned.
The fact that they have won just one of their last seven league matches against the Tricky Trees will not boost their already shot-down confidence.
Nottingham Forest are in no better shape themselves, despite having orchestrated a massive rejig over the summer. Steve Cooper’s side have leaked goals this season and are winless in the PL since August 14 in a run that also includes a 6-0 drubbing at the hands of title favourites Manchester City.
It’s early days, but not many will argue this isn’t a relegation six-pointer.
Team News
Leicester City
Rodgers pretty much has a clean bill of health, with Wilfred Ndidi and Dennis Praet back in contention. Whether they are slotted in directly to the XI remains a question.
Regarding the duo, the Leicester boss remarked “We had Wilfred Ndidi come back early. He’s looking really positive and trained this morning so hopefully he will be fine. Dennis Praet had a few days where he was struggling, but he came through the last few days well and looked good in training so we’re okay.”
Nottingham Forest
Scott McKenna is a major injury doubt for Forest, having withdrawn from the Scotland camp early.
Emmanuel Dennis was pictured in training after missing out for Nigeria, thus, he should be able to start.
Omar Richards and Moussa Niakhate are out for a longer period.
Predicted XI
Leicester City (4-1-4-1): Ward; Castagne, Faes, Evans, Justin; Soumare; Maddison, Dewsbury-Hall, Tielemans, Barnes; Vardy
Nottingham Forest (3-4-1-2): Henderson; Worrall, Cook, Boly; Williams, Yates, Freuler, Lodi; Lingard; Johnson, Awoniyi
Match Prediction
It finally could be Leicester City’s night. The players have had a fair few days off to refresh and restart, Jamie Vardy included. The forward has yet to score this season, but given that he loves his home comforts, he could be highly impactful against a defence that has been caught napping quite often this season.
Expect James Maddison to light up the stage and Leicester to claim their first set of three points at the King Power.
Predicted Score: Leicester City 2-0 Nottingham Forest
-Roy Akarshark
Twitter: @RoyAkarshak