Leicester v Crystal Palace preview: Jamie Vardy in race to be fit

Image: Jamie Vardy picked up a knock in midweek

Leicester City will look to bring their Champions League form to the Premier League when Crystal Palace come to town on Saturday.

Following their victory over FC Copenhagen, the reigning champions have picked up more points in Europe this season (9) than they have domestically (8). 

In fact, Claudio Ranieri's men have already lost more games (4) this season than they did during the whole of last season although they are unbeaten in 19 Premier League games at home.

Crystal Palace, who lost to West Ham United last weekend, have failed to keep a clean sheet in last 13 Premier League games.

Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri has just turned 65. So any thoughts about calling time on his management career?

Team news

Ranieri will check on the fitness of captain Wes Morgan (hip), midfielder Andy King (shin) and striker Jamie Vardy (groin) before finalising his plans.

Advertisement

Nampalys Mendy's ankle injury has kept him out for two months, but he will soon be ready to return to contention, while fellow midfielder Matty James continues to make progress in his recovery from the anterior cruciate ligament injury he suffered in May 2015 and can see light at the end of the tunnel as regards his first-team return.

Scott Dann is in contention after recovering from his hamstring problem but Damien Delaney is expected to partner James Tomkins in defence.

Also See:

Alan Pardew has no other injury concerns. 

Match stats

Leicester won both meetings against Crystal Palace last season in the Premier League by a 1-0 scoreline. Jamie Vardy scored the winner in October 2015 while Riyad Mahrez's goal in March 2016 was enough for victory.

Prior to last season, Palace had won four of their previous six Premier League games against the Foxes (D1 L1).

Christian Benteke scored the only goal of the game for Liverpool in December 2015 against Leicester, in what proved to be one of three league defeats for Claudio Ranieri's side last season.

Andy King made his Champions League debut against FC Copenhagen on Tuesday night. He was playing for the club in League One just a few years ago

Palace have won two of their last three league games against the reigning Premier League champions, winning 2-1 v Man City in April 2015 and 2-1 v Chelsea in August 2015.

The Foxes are unbeaten in their last 19 home Premier League games (W12 D7), the longest unbeaten run on home soil in the top-flight since Chelsea's 21 game streak which ended in August 2015.

No Premier League side has finished inside the top four having taken eight points from their first eight games as Leicester have done this season.

If the Foxes lose here, it will be the lowest total from a defending champion since Leeds United in 1974/75 (also 8 - assuming 3pts for a win).

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew says he has no idea about reports linking the club with two summer signings

Jason Puncheon has created 10 chances for Christian Benteke this season, more than any player has for a teammate, with the favour being returned just once.

Andros Townsend has had more shots from outside the box than any other player this season in the Premier League (22).

Jamie Vardy has scored just twice this season in the league - he had found the net seven times in his opening eight games in 2015/16.

Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri has just turned 65. So any thoughts about calling time on his management career?

Merson's prediction

Which Leicester will turn up? The Premier League Leicester or the Champions League Leicester?

I'll go one each here. I think Leicester have put their eggs in the European basket and I don't think they'll cope too well with Christian Benteke.

Palace were getting on alright and then go and lose to West Ham, so I don't think on current, short-term form there's a lot between these teams.

I just think Leicester have been found out in the Premier League. Other teams are sitting back now and saying: "We're not chasing the game, you chase the game!" 

It's reversed around the other way; Jamie Vardy is one of the best in the business at running onto a ball over the top, but teams are sitting back and giving him three or four yards, and making him turn and attempt to beat two or three players. 

PAUL PREDICTS; 1-1 (5/1 with Sky Bet)

Watch a preview of Saturday's Premier League games including Arsenal v Middlesbrough and Liverpool v West Brom

Betting

Leicester are the even-money favourites with Sky Bet to collect three points at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon. The visiting Eagles are priced up at 13/5 by the online bookmaker to get the win and the draw can be backed at 12/5. Riyad Mahrez scored the only goal of the game in Leicester's 1-0 victory over FC Copenhagen in the Champions League and you can back the playmaker at 9/2 to open the scoring on Saturday.

Mahrez's Leicester team-mates Jamie Vardy and Islam Slimani are also available at 9/2 in the first goalscorer odds. Christian Benteke is the top contender from Palace at 11/2.

Image: Riyad Mahrez can be backed at 9/2 to score first

Leicester v Crystal Palace is included in this week's Soccer Saturday Super 6 line-up. Enter your predictions here for the chance to win £250,000.

Outbrain