Spartak Moscow welcome Leicester City to Otkritie Arena, Moscow, in a crunch Group C clash in 2021-22 UEFA Europa League.
Victory would see Spartak move five points clear of Leicester and remain second in Group C, whereas a win would lift Leicester above their Russian opposition into second until Thursday evening when Napoli host Legia Warsaw.
Team News
Spartak Moscow will be without Maximiliano Caufriez through suspension after the defender was red carded in their 3-2 win at Napoli just prior to the international break.
Georgi Melkadze (muscle), Nail Umyarov (calf), Quincy Promes, Ezequiel Ponce (both knee) and Pavel Maslow (tendon) remain absent.
Leicester will be without Jonny Evans who is sidelined with cramp after Saturday’s Premier League win over Manchester United, as manager – Brendan Rogers looks to manage Evans’ return to match fitness after enduring a shaky few months with a foot injury.
Wilfred Ndidi (hamstring), Nampalys Mendy (groin), James Justin (knee) and Wesley Fofana (leg) remain ruled out.
Stat Attack
- This is Spartak Moscow’s first-ever meeting against Leicester in all UEFA competitions.
- Spartak Moscow have avoided defeat in three of their last five matches against English opposition (W2, D1, L2)
- Leicester are facing Russian opposition for the very first time in all UEFA competitions.
- Spartak have lost their last two home matches in all UEFA competitions this season without scoring, in which they conceded three goals across both matches.
- Leicester have won just one of their last five away European matches (W1, D2, L2).
Prediction
Spartak Moscow enter this match off the back of a brilliant comeback victory in Napoli a fortnight ago, yet their home form is their biggest issue this season with four losses in seven home games across all competitions, although they did show grit and fighting spirit in their home loss to Legia last month.
Leicester meanwhile are facing Russian opposition for the first time but if they can play with patience and clinical finishing like they did on Saturday against Man Utd, they certainly will have a good chance of winning here which is now likely crucial to their qualification hopes of reaching the knockouts.
Both teams though can be inconsistent at times but Leicester looked to have picked up their quality in their last two outings despite defensive issues, which could well be the difference especially if Spartak’s home woes continue.
Prediction: Spartak Moscow 1-2 Leicester City
Result: Spartak Moscow 3-4 Leicester City