Leicester City vs. West Bromwich Albion
Date: 16/10/17
KO: 20:00pm
TV: Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports 1
Tony Pulis’ West Bromwich Albion side take a trip to the King Power Stadium on Monday night, where Craig Shakespeare’s men will be desperate to put three points on the board after their demanding beginning to this seasons Premier League campaign.
With qualification for the 2018 World Cup all but complete, the focus for many returns to club football with a decisive few months in the season upcoming. Before the International break the Foxes struggled away to Bournemouth, although they did manage to play for a 0-0 draw.
As for West Brom, they also picked up a point, but arguably deserved to finish the game with all three. The Baggies were 2-0 up at home against Watford within 18 minutes, yet a 95th minute goal from Watford’s Richarlison salvaged a point for Watford and put an abrupt end to what could have been a satisfying victory for Pulis.
Leicester City:
Leicester continue to be without Matty James, who will once again spend time on the side-line due to an achilles injury. The international break can always stifle up unexpected injuries that can leave club managers with headaches but Shakespeare has confirmed his two possible doubts from International duty, Wilfred Ndidi and Ben Chilwell, are full fit and both available for selection against West Brom.
Jamie Vardy has also been declared fit to lead the line for the Foxes after missing out on his, now routine, international break with England where he was absent from due to a hip injury. City’s number 9 was struggling with the injury before the break and received a series of injections alongside some well-earned time off, which has resulted in the striker being declared fully fit for Monday night’s test.
The transfer saga of Portugal’s Adrien Silva was put to bed by FIFA who haven’t allowed the transfer deadline deal to go through so he will remain absent, although he is now training with the squad.
West Bromwich Albion:
For West Brom, James Morrison and Hal Robson-Kanu are both doubts due to slight injuries suffered during the international break, yet Pulis is hopeful that both will be in contention for the trip. Nacer Chadli is unlikely to feature against the Foxes as he is currently out of the country receiving rehabilitation on a back injury.
In the 2-2 draw with Watford, Pulis opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation to give his side more attacking prowess. Yet, cautious of the Foxes slick counter attacking style, Pulis may switch to a more defensive formation which may leave him doubtful whether to start Jay Rodriguez or Solomon Rondon as the loan striker.
Score Prediction: 2-1 – the Baggies pulled off a 2-1 away victory at the King Power last season during the time where Ranieri’s managerial spell was dwindling. This year with Shakespeare in charge, Leicester really need a result. West Bromwich have started well and you can’t forget their defensive nature and ability to score from set pieces. But for me, this game is Leicester’s too lose.
Written by Eamon Kitching.
