2021-22 UEFA Europa Conference League: Knockout Play-Offs – Randers vs Leicester

Randers look to overturn a 4-1 deficit as the Danish team host Leicester at Cepheus Park in the second leg of their knockout play-off tie in 2021-22 UEFA Europa Conference League.

Randers need to score at least four goals and win to stand any chance of reaching the Last 16, whereas Leicester would advance with a victory or draw although defeat would be enough if they concede two goals or less.

 

Team News

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Randers have no fresh injury concerns to report as Joel Kabongo remains absent with ligament damage.

Leicester could opt to rest Harvey Barnes after he missed their league defeat at Wolves with a tight hamstring.

Ryan Bertrand (knee), Wesley Fofana (leg), James Justin (hamstring), Jonny Evans, Timothy Castagne and Jamie Vardy (all thigh)

 

Stat Attack

• Randers lost their only previous meeting against Leicester, losing 4-1 in the first leg at King Power Stadium.
• Leicester are visiting Randers for the very first time in all competitions, although they were held to a 0-0 draw at Copenhagen in their only previous visit to Denmark.
• Randers are hosting English opposition at home for the very first time in all UEFA competitions.
• Randers have scored twice in each of their last three home games in UEFA competitions, with Simon Piesinger the only player to score twice at home in the Group Stage.
• Four of Leicester’s six European away goals this season have been scored by Patson Daka.

 

Prediction

After finding themselves outclassed in the first leg at the King Power Stadium, Randers have a difficult task to overturn their deficit but the pressure is off them now, which should mean that they can afford to play their game without pressure here and go for it.

Leicester meanwhile just need to avoid an embarrassing defeat here to secure their place in the next round, yet their defence is their weakest asset despite recent dominant attacks as evidenced by Sunday’s attacking effort at Wolves amidst wasted chances.

This though should be the visitors’ to lose but I do see Brendan Rogers rotating his squad, although it shouldn’t have enough impact for them to lose this game.

Prediction: Randers 1-2 Leicester

Result: Randers 1-3 Leicester (Leicester win 7-2 on aggregate!!)