Leicester City is gearing up for an exciting encounter against Crystal Palace at the King Power Stadium on January 15, 2024, hoping to build momentum following their impressive 6-2 victory over Queens Park Rangers in the FA Cup. The Foxes, under the guidance of manager Ruud Van Nistelrooy, have recently snapped a five-game losing streak, and the team’s newfound confidence could play a pivotal role in their fight for survival in the Premier League.
Van Nistelrooy’s decision to field his strongest lineup against QPR paid off handsomely, as the players showcased their attacking talents, scoring six goals and giving fans a much-needed boost. The Dutch manager is keen to maintain this momentum, especially after the Premier League confirmed that no teams would face penalties for breaching Profit and Sustainability rules. With Leicester now free from the threat of a points deduction, the focus shifts squarely to securing their place in the top flight.
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Match Details
Date: January 15, 2024
Time: 19:30 GMT
Venue: King Power Stadium, Leicester
Team News
Leicester City will be without several key players due to injuries, including Ricardo Pereira, Mads Hermansen, Wilfred Ndidi, and Abdul Fatawu. However, Jannik Vestergaard is expected to be fit for selection, providing a much-needed boost to the squad.
On the other side, Crystal Palace will also be missing some important figures, with Adam Wharton and Will Hughes likely absent from the matchday squad.
Match Preview
Leicester City’s recent performance against QPR highlighted their attacking prowess, with standout players like Bilal El Khannouss and Facundo Buonanotte playing crucial roles. El Khannouss, in particular, has been in exceptional form, and his partnership with Buonanotte could be vital as the season progresses. However, defensive lapses have plagued the Foxes, with Harry Winks being responsible for both goals conceded against QPR.
To address these defensive issues, Leicester is reportedly set to announce the transfer of right-back Woyo Coulibaly in the coming days, which should help bolster their backline. James Justin’s strong showing in the FA Cup will also be a confidence booster, and he will be eager to regain his form as the team looks to cut down on individual errors.
Crystal Palace, currently sitting in 15th place in the league, has undergone a transformation since their last meeting with Leicester. They have lost just one of their last nine league matches, earning 14 points during this stretch. Their recent performances against top clubs like Brighton, Manchester City, and Chelsea have showcased their resilience and ability to secure points even as underdogs. Notably, they managed to draw against Manchester City at home and earned points away at Chelsea and Aston Villa.
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Despite Leicester’s home advantage, Crystal Palace may feel they have the upper hand going into this match. Earlier in the season, they fought back from a 2-0 deficit to draw with Leicester, and their current form suggests they could be a formidable opponent. The Eagles have not won at the King Power Stadium in nearly five years, but they will be hopeful of breaking that streak.
Leicester is acutely aware of the stakes in this match, especially after suffering a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers in their last league outing. With relegation rivals looming, a victory against Crystal Palace is essential for the Foxes as they seek to secure their first Premier League win in six matches.
Predicted Starting Lineups
Leicester City:
– Jakub Stolarczyk
– James Justin
– Conor Coady
– Jannik Vestergaard
– Victor Kristiansen
– Boubakary Soumare
– Harry Winks
– Bilal El Khannouss
– Facundo Buonanotte
– Jamie Vardy
– Stephy Mavididi
Crystal Palace:
– Dean Henderson
– Trevoh Chalobah
– Maxence Lacroix
– Marc Guéhi
– David Muñoz
– Jefferson Lerma
– Cheick Doucouré
– Tyrick Mitchell
– Ismaïla Sarr
– Jean-Philippe Mateta
– Eberechi Eze
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As the two teams prepare to clash, all eyes will be on the King Power Stadium for what promises to be a thrilling encounter. Leicester City will look to capitalize on their recent success, while Crystal Palace aims to continue their impressive run of form. The match is not just a battle for points; it’s a crucial step in the journey for both teams as they navigate the challenges of the Premier League.
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