Struggling Premier League defending champions Leicester City take on Championship side Derby County in a replay of their FA Cup clash at the King Power Stadium on Wednesday. The previous match ended 2-2, with defender Wes Morgan earning the Foxes the right to a replay thanks to a late goal. Leicester have dominated Derby in recent encounters, they have won four of the last six. Derby have not won at Leicester since 2003, when both sides were competing in the Premier League.
Leicester City have not won any of their last five matches and lost four of them, they have not tasted victory since the previous round of the FA Cup when they defeated Everton 1-0 at Goodison Park. Claudio Ranieri and his men are becoming increasingly worried about the prospect of a relegation battle, so the Italian manager might choose to rest some players for the upcoming Premier League clashes. However, he might use the opportunity of facing a weaker opponent to get his team out of the losing streak. Islam Slimani and Leonardo Ulloa are the only fitness doubts for Ranieri.
Derby County have their own league worries, they lost 1-0 at Newcastle last weekend and remain three points away from the promotion play-off places. They have beaten West Brom 2-1 away from home in the previous round of the FA Cup, a result that should give them confidence ahead of this clash. Will Hughes, while James Wilson, Max Lowe, Craig Forsyth and George Thorne will miss out, while Craig Bryson picked up a knock during last weekend's Championship match.
Probable line-ups:
Leicester: Schmeichel - Simpson, Morgan, Huth, Chilwell - Gray, King, Mendy, Albrighton - Okazaki, Vardy
Derby: Carson - Christie, Keogh, Pearce, Olsson - Sart, Johnson, Butterfield - Ince, Bent, Russell
My prediction: Leicester to win 2-1.
Here are the odds for the match at Bet365:
Leicester win - 2.05
Draw - 3.40
Derby win - 4.20
02/10/17, 12:02:14 AM
