Leicester (H) Pre-match thoughts, team news, possible line-ups & score prediction

by Olly Hawkins · 16 April 2022, 20:39

Another home game and another chance to hand our Premier League survival hopes another huge boost.

Whether you think we're already safe or still have a chance of finishing in the top 10, it's just nice to be back at a positive St James' Park. The feel-good factor is back and we're proving very hard to beat on Tyneside.

We've won each of our last four home games - beating Everton, Aston Villa, Brighton and Wolves along the way - and haven't lost a league game at SJP since Man City came to town in mid December.

Next up we face a Leicester City side who came from behind in Eindhoven to progress to the semi finals of the Europa Conference League on Thursday night.

So, they arrive on a high from that but will have plenty of tired legs in the team, meaning Rodgers could well rotate and rest a few of his star men.

Saying that, we can't afford to rest on our laurels after last Friday's win, knowing another three points here would not only all but secure after but keep our slim hopes of a top 10 finish alive.

Team news

Ryan Fraser is a doubt after picking up a 'very small' hamstring problem, but Joe Willock could return to the squad after making 'good progress' with a knee injury he's been managing.

Kieran Trippier is ‘very slightly ahead of schedule’ and Callum Wilson back in light training, however neither are fit enough for this one.

For the Foxes, Rodgers is expected to rotate after they played a Europa Conference League quarter final at PSV on Thursday night. As a result, the likes of James Justin, Daniel Amartey and Caglar Soyuncu could all return to the side, with some wondering if James Maddison may be rested.

Predicted line ups

(4-3-3): Dubravka – Krafth, Schar, Burn, Targett – Guimaraes, Shelvey, Joelinton – Almiron, Wood, Saint-Maximin.

Martin Dubravka – The Slovakian didn't have much to do last Friday but stepped up in the second half with one superb save.

Emil Krafth – Had one of his best games in a black and white shirt against Wolves so will almost certainly keep his place here.

Fabian Schar – The ball-playing CB is good at getting us on the front foot at home and can create from deep. Hopefully he can boost his case for a new contract here!

Dan Burn – Back to his best last week and is a real leader at the back. Lascelles will get his chance between now and the end of the season, but it's hard to see how he gets back in at present.

Matt Targett – Another January signing who was rock solid last time out, responding well from that 5-1 hammering at Spurs with a strong defensive display.

Bruno Guimaraes – Was the best player on the park against Wolves and has to be one of the first names on the team sheet.

Jonjo Shelvey – A player Howe seems to rate highly and one who has added consistency to his game since his arrival.

Joelinton – Plays a key role on the left-side of a midfield three, not only breaking up the play but covering for Allan Saint-Maximin. Wasn't at his best against Wolves but played a big role in the build up to the penalty. Saying that, Howe has a big decision to make if Willock is deemed fit enough to start.

Miguel Almiron – Fraser might just pass a late fitness test, however I can't see him being risked. Howe praised Almiron's display last Friday so I can see him getting a rare start here.

Allan Saint-Maximin – Hasn't scored since January but most of his returns come at St James' Park. Let's hope he can get back on the goal trail here!

Chris Wood – Bagged his first goal on Tyneside last time out and will be looking to add to that now. Hopefully it's given him a much needed confidence boost in front of goal.