Tottenham will be looking to consolidate their position in the top four this weekend as they travel to face Leicester City at the KP Stadium. They will have a good opportunity to move further ahead of Chelsea if the Blues lose to Manchester City and that is a good motivation for Mauricio Pochettino’s men. It won’t be an easy game though, as the home side have only lost five times this season and have players that can cause problems for any team.
It has been a difficult season for Leicester City off the field, but they have done very well on the pitch and look set to establish themselves as a top half team under Claude Puel. The football isn’t the most exciting, but the team is effective and carries a threat in attack. James Maddison has been a great addition and will be hoping to make an impact on Saturday against one of the best teams in the league.
For the visitors, it has been a mixed start to the campaign. They are sat 3rd in the league table, but they have suffered a couple of disappointing defeats, chiefly last weekend’s loss to Arsenal. Spurs managed to bounce back during midweek with a dominant display against Southampton, but they will be looking for more wins before the end of the year. This game comes at an interesting time, as Pochettino may choose to rest players ahead of the decisive Champions League match against Barcelona.
Team news
Jamie Vardy is a doubt for the home side as he recovers from a groin strain. Jonny Evans won’t be available for Claude Puel. However, Harry Maguire will be hoping to make his return.
Kieran Trippier and Erik Lamela are both doubts for the visitors. Jan Vertonghen will be available after his suspension. However, Mousa Dembele and Davinson Sanchez remain long term absentees.
Interesting stats
- Leicester City have gone six league matches without a defeat. This is the first time that they have managed this since they won the league title.
- Oliver Skipp became the youngest player to debut for Tottenham in the Premier League since Gareth Bale.
Key men
Maddison
James Maddison has been a breath of fresh air since signing for Leicester City. It was expected that he would be a good signing for the club, but his early performances have still surprised many. He underlines that there is still a lot of talent in the Football League and he has transitioned to Premier League football with ease. The 22-year-old has contributed five goals and two assists, becoming arguably Leicester’s most threatening attacking player. He averages 2 shots, 2.3 key passes and 1.3 dribbles per game in the league this season. This weekend will be looked at as an opportunity for him to show what he can do against one of the best teams in England. Tottenham have been far from faultless at the back during recent weeks and Maddison has the talent to cause them problems.
Kane
The England captain is used to being at the top of the goal-scoring charts and that will be his aim again this season. It has been a slow start for him by his usual high standards, but he has scored in his last three Premier League fixtures and is ready to finish 2018 on a high. Kane is only one goal behind Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the goal-scoring charts and the upcoming fixtures provide him with a chance to move above the Arsenal front-man. There have been discussions regarding Kane’s fitness, but he looks to be returning to his best form and is moving a lot freer than he was. It is worth noting that he also contributed an assist during the win over Southampton, underlining another part of his game. Leicester will be worried about the striker on Saturday given his recent form.
Verdict
This will be a good test for Tottenham as they come up against one of the best teams outside of the top-six. They should be able to win, but if they don’t perform, it could very easily be a game to forget. Pochettino has often recovered well from setbacks, therefore it wouldn’t be a suprise to see the team go on a run of victories after the loss against Arsenal. Another three points on Saturday should be forthcoming.
Leicester City 1-2 Tottenham
