Leicester City entertain Ipswich Town at the King Power Stadium in a blockbuster Championship clash.
Leicester will stay top with victory and extend their title lead to 10 points, whilst Ipswich can close their gap down to four points and move back into second with a win.
Team News
Jamie Vardy is set to return for Leicester after making a full recovery from a lengthy knee injury.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is a doubt for selection after he picked up a knock during the Foxes’ loss at Coventry, although he could face a late fitness test.
Kasey McAteer (hamstring), Will Alves, Wilfried Ndidi (both muscle), Harry Souttar, Kelechi Iheanacho and Patson Daka (all international duty) remain absent.
Midfielder, Cesar Casadei has been recalled from his season-long loan by Chelsea.
Ipswich have no fresh injury concerns to report after their win over Sunderland, although Massimo Luongo is unlikely to feature after he was sidelined with an ankle injury prior to that game.
Cameron Burgess, Elkan Baggot (both international duty), Sam Morsy (suspension), Brandon Williams (unspecified), Janoi Donacien (groin) and Lee Evans (knee) remain absent.
When is Kick-Off?
Leicester host Ipswich at 8pm GMT on Monday 22 January at the King Power Stadium, live on Sky Sports in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Leicester have lost one of their last eight league meetings against Ipswich (W5, D2, L1).
- Ipswich are winless in their last nine league visits to Leicester (D4, L5).
- Leicester have scored nine goals in their last two home matches against Ipswich without conceding (W2).
- Ricardo Pereira has scored in two of his last three appearances at home for Leicester.
- Harrison Clarke has been yellow carded in each of Ipswich’s last two away games in the Championship.
Prediction
Although they’re still top with a solid gap over their promotion rivals, Leicester simply will be disappointed with the manner of their loss at Coventry because they were totally outclassed for energy – especially once down to ten men – and quality despite taking the lead at half-time.
Ipswich meanwhile will be buoyed by a resilient comeback win over Sunderland especially after a scrappy period where they were lucky to lose once amidst four draws in that period, which will provide fresh belief for them knowing that a win would put them back in the race for top spot.
I however do expect another scrappy contest akin to what we saw at Portman Road on Boxing Day, although Vardy’s return offers the Foxes more experience up front in the central striker role amidst Daka and Iheanacho’s absences which could be crucial if there’s a winner.
Prediction: Leicester 1-1 Ipswich
Result: Leicester 1-1 Ipswich