Leicester City Preview – Away, October 19th

WATFORD WILL be looking to pick themselves up following a dire defeat at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday with a tough trip to Leicester City on Wednesday.

The Foxes have failed to live up to their pre-season expectations so far having been tipped to romp the division. Sven Goran Eriksson’s side are currently 13th.

Much like at Vicarage Road it’s been a particularly busy summer in the Midlands with Eriksson working his magic to bring in no less than 12 players over the summer.

All that business has left City fighting to find their best team which has consequently contributed to their stuttering start this season.

Victories over high-fliers Southampton and Brighton have been undermined by careless defeats to strugglers Bristol City and Birmingham City.

The ability is clearly there as demonstrated in the 4-0 humbling of rivals Derby County a fortnight ago. Finding consistency however is key.

Looking at the calibre of signings made over the course of the summer it is clear that Eriksson has the backing of the board but crucially the belief of those that he has recruited that Leicester will soon be back in the Premier League.

Paul Konchesky took the step down from Liverpool whilst John Panstil signed on a free following his release by Fulham. Jermaine Beckford swapped Goodison Park for the King Power Stadium whilst Matt Mills commanded a £5m fee from Play-off runner’s up, Reading.

Eriksson will be able to call upon the services of Beckford, Michael Johnson and Andy King after the trio featured against Birmingham City. Richie Wellens and Paul Gallagher though are still working their way back to fitness. Mills is suspended.

Watford could shake things up for the clash with Martin Taylor sidelined. David Mirfin should cover Taylor whilst Matt Whichelow looks for a first start of the campaign.

Probable Teams:

Leicester City: Schmeichel; Peltier, Bamba, St. Ledger, Konchesky; King, Abe, Fernandes, Danns; Vassell and Nugent.

Watford: Loach; Doyley, Mariappa, Mirfin, Dickinson; Kightly, Eustace (c), Hogg, Forsyth; Sordell and Garner.

Match Officials: (R) Mr C Sarginson; (AR’s) Mr D Benton & Mr P Hobday; (4th) Mr M Dexter.