Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker:
In what could prove to be a season-defining showdown from Elland Road on Tuesday night, Leeds will welcome Leicester to Yorkshire.
Leeds
Starting with the hosts, while Leeds might have claimed what was a crucial 2-1 victory against Nottingham Forest earlier in the month, it appears that was just a minor boost for Javi Gracia s struggling squad. Last seen over the weekend putting in another worrying display as they were hit with a 2-1 loss at the hands of Fulham in west London, the Whites hold just a one point buffer from slipping into the relegation zone. With many now tipping the Yorkshire-Based outfit as a standout bottom-three contender this season, the one-time Watford boss has seen his side lose four of their last five Premier League appearances. Likewise, including back-to-back 5-1 and 6-1 defeats against Crystal Palace and Liverpool respectively, Leeds have certainly gained a real reputation for their rather glaring defensive issues. Shipping a staggering 13 strikes in their previous three consecutive top-flight defeats, Gracia s side know they face a must-win showdown here.
Team News
Still dealing with a thigh injury that he picked up prior to March’s international break, USA international Tyler Adams will once again miss out on Tuesday night. Likewise, 32-year-old Stuart Dallas will miss the remainder of the campaign as the Northern Ireland international continues his recovery from a broken leg.
Making a cameo appearance off the bench away at Fulham in their 2-1 loss last weekend, Patrick Bamford could be handed a full recall here. In what could be a major boost for Gracia s side in midweek, attacking starlet Wilfried Gnonto could make a first Premier League start since returning from the international break.
Leicester
As for the visitors, mounting what was a stellar comeback at home against local rivals Wolves over the weekend, Leicester are now desperate to find some much-needed stability. Eventually claiming a 2-1 victory at the King Power in Dean Smith’s first home fixture in charge, the former Aston Villa boss also saw his new squad fire themselves out of the drop zone. Likewise, drawing a line under their woeful 10-match winless run a few days ago, the Foxes should be smelling the chance to secure back-to-back Premier League victories for the first time since the start of February. Looking to cash in on a Leeds side who have quickly gained a reputation for their glaring defensive struggles, Leicester should be excited by their most recent meeting against Tuesday’s hosts. Claiming a 2-0 win when they welcomed their relegation rivals to the King Power on October 20th, it should be noted that the Foxes have lost just one of their last nine straight meetings against the Lilywhites a run that stems all the way back to November 2012.
Team News
Picking up a thigh injury earlier in the month and missing back-to-back Premier League appearances, Harvey Barnes is once again seen as a major doubt at Elland Road. Likewise, Smith’s side will be without the likes of James Justin and ex-Southampton defender Ryan Bertrand on Tuesday night.
Converting from the spot in last weekend’s 2-1 victory against Wolves and bagging back-to-back Premier League strikes, Kelechi Iheanacho will spearhead Leicester’s attack in Yorkshire. Although Jamie Vardy might have recorded just a single top-flight goal this season, the 36-year-old should partner Iheanacho in the final third here.
Key Factors to Consider
