Verdict: Draw
Best odds: 23/10
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Two sides aiming to push closer to the playoff positions in the Championship meet on Monday, as Leicester City host Derby County at the King Power Stadium. Both teams are within touching distance of the top six, making this encounter a crucial one in the race for promotion.
The Foxes currently sit 14th in the table with 31 points, five adrift of sixth-placed Bristol City. Derby, meanwhile, occupy 11th spot with 32 points, leaving them just four points off the playoff places heading into the latest round of fixtures.
Leicester City
Relegated from the Premier League last season, Leicester are targeting an immediate return to the top flight, but their campaign has been inconsistent.
Marti Cifuentes’s men have recorded eight wins, seven draws, and eight defeats from 23 Championship matches, a mixed run that sees them stuck in mid-table. Their recent form offers little encouragement: a 2-1 home loss to Watford followed a heavy 4-1 defeat at Queens Park Rangers on December 20.
The Foxes’ last victory came on December 13, when they beat Ipswich Town 3-1 at home. Since then, they have lost four of their last seven league games, underlining their struggles.
At home, Leicester have collected 16 points from 11 matches, but they face a Derby side boasting the third-best away record in the division, with 18 points from 11 road trips.
Team News
Harry Souttar remains sidelined with an ankle injury, while Patson Daka is away on international duty with Zambia at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Jordan James, who has scored six times in 19 appearances, should keep his place in midfield, while Jordan Ayew, with four goals this term, is expected to feature in attack once again.
Derby County
Derby’s home form has been among the worst in the Championship, but their impressive away record has kept them well clear of relegation trouble and within reach of the playoffs.
John Eustace’s side have eight wins, eight draws, and seven defeats from 23 matches, leaving them 11th in the standings. They are unbeaten in their last four league games, though three of those have ended in draws, including a 1-1 stalemate with Birmingham City on Boxing Day.
The Rams have not lost since their 3-1 defeat to Leicester earlier this month, which was their first meeting with the Foxes in nearly nine years. Historically, Derby have struggled in this fixture, failing to beat Leicester since March 2013, with five of the last six encounters going the Foxes’ way.
Team News
Joe Ward is suspended after his red card against Birmingham, while leading scorer Carlton Morris remains out with a leg injury—a significant blow given his 10 goals this season.
Dion Sanderson returns after missing the last game due to ineligibility and is expected to replace Danny Batth in defense.
Head-to-Head
Leicester have dominated recent meetings, winning five of the last six clashes, while Derby’s last victory came over a decade ago in March 2013. Their earlier encounter this month ended 3-1 in Leicester’s favor, adding extra intrigue as the Rams seek revenge at the King Power Stadium.
Conclusion
Derby’s strong away form contrasts sharply with Leicester’s recent struggles, making this a difficult one to call.
Given the Foxes’ inconsistency and the Rams’ resilience on the road, a draw appears the most likely outcome, leaving both sides still in contention for a playoff push as the season progresses.
Verdict: Draw
Best odds: 23/10
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
